1. What is the Intercultural Innovation Hub?

The Intercultural Innovation Hub, formerly known as the Intercultural Innovation Award, is an initiative between the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group, with the support of Accenture, that empowers, elevates and scales up the most innovative grassroots projects that encourage intercultural dialogue and cooperation around the world and promote inclusive and diverse societies. Projects are selected through a competitive selection process. Recipients will receive support in the form of financial grants and capacity building to help them grow and expand in a sustainable way.

2. Why should I apply?

You should apply if:

• Your organization considers that promoting intercultural understanding and fostering diverse and inclusive societies are key in today’s world;
• Your project has proven successful and you want to share it with the world; and
• You lack the connections and capacity to bring your project to the next level.

3. How can I apply?

You can only apply online.

4. I’ve previously applied online. Can I use the same username and password?

We ask that you register for a new username and password.

5. Is the Intercultural Innovation Hub open to organizations from all countries?

Yes. The project is open to all applicants around the world.

6. Does the Intercultural Innovation Hub provide general or core funding (e.g. salaries, rent, etc. not specific to a project) to selected organizations?

No, the monetary prize only supports expenses needed to expand the range of actions of the project and replicate them in other contexts.

7. My organization applied to the Intercultural Innovation Hub in the past and was unsuccessful. Can I apply again this year?

Yes. We encourage you to submit an application.

8. My organization applied to a previous edition of the UNAOC Marketplace of Ideas and was unsuccessful. Can I apply for the Intercultural Innovation Hub?

Yes. We encourage you to submit an application.

9. My organization applied to a previous edition of the BMW Group Award and was unsuccessful. Can I apply for the Intercultural Innovation Hub?

Yes. We encourage you to submit an application.

10. Can I submit my application in a language other than English?

No. Applications are only accepted in English. We encourage you to plan ahead of time. You can get assistance from an English-speaking friend, colleague or organization that may review your application.

11. When is the due date to apply?

The deadline is Monday, 25 March 2024, 5:00 p.m. EST (5:00 p.m. in New York).

12. Shall I expect an acknowledgement of my application?

Yes. Online applicants will receive an automated message. If you do not receive it, please contact us at hub@interculturalinnovation.org.

13. I missed the deadline, can I still apply?

As a principle of fairness to other applicants, late submissions will not be considered.

14. I am a freelancer, am I eligible to apply?

Individuals cannot apply. However, if you work within a non-for-profit, your organization can apply.

15. I am a Limited Liability Company. Am I eligible to apply?

A Limited Liability Company or an LLC cannot apply. However, if your company is associated with a non-for-profit (university, foundation, etc) or it has a non-for-profit branch (i.e. some LLCs do social work through a foundation), you would be eligible to apply.

16. How is the monetary grant given to my organization?

Depending on the amount, monetary grants may be split into installments throughout the year.

17. What is the selection process?

The selection process is composed of the following 4 steps:

• Screening for eligibility;
• Shortlisting up to 30 applicants who will be asked to provide further documentation;
• Selection of ten finalists by an international jury of experts.

The detailed selection process is outlined in the application guidelines.

18. What happens if my organization is selected as a recipient?

You will be contacted by UNAOC and the BMW Group and invited to the Intercultural Innovation Hub’s Ceremony. An in-depth questionnaire and interview will determine the specific needs to support the work of your organization. UNAOC and the BMW Group, with the support of Accenture, will work hand in hand with your organization to help you become more sustainable and potentially expand to other contexts.

19. Will I be notified of my status?

Only successful applicants will be notified. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we cannot provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.

20. What is expected from me if I am selected as a recipient?

UNAOC and the BMW Group, with the support of Accenture, are looking for committed organizations managed by entrepreneurial individuals. We want our organizations to be excited about the process ahead and willing to actively engage in a process of expansion. Furthermore, your organization may be expected to attend several events, provide documentation throughout the year and participate in evaluations.