Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan Announces 2025 Grant Competitions for NGOs

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The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan officially announces the opening of project proposals for the 2025 grant competitions for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) under two frameworks: "General Grant Competition for Cultural Fields" and "Special Grant Competition for Cultural and Creative Industries."

Each competition accepts projects under two categories:

  • Small Grants: Up to 20,000 AZN.

  • Large Grants: Up to 50,000 AZN.

Submission & Deadlines

  • Application Period: July 21 – August 4, 2025.

  • Submission Method: Electronic only via mygrant.culture.az.

    • Note: Applications will be automatically redirected to the "myculture" cabinet, where the relevant competition must be selected.

  • Deadline: August 4, 2025, at 18:00.

  • Contact for Inquiries: [email protected] or the Ministry of Culture Hotline (Tel: 147).

1. General Grant Competition for Cultural Fields: Priority Topics

This competition aims to support innovative and sustainable projects that increase the role of civil society and individual participation in cultural heritage.

  1. Preservation and Transmission of Cultural Heritage: Promotion of national values; public-private partnerships; digitalization of cultural assets and monuments.

  2. Return of Culture to Liberated Territories: Digital resources regarding the heritage of liberated lands; educational initiatives for youth and children returning to these areas.

  3. Organization of Volunteering in Culture: Promoting behavioral culture; volunteering as a lifestyle; research and promotion of heritage through volunteer participation.

  4. Western Azerbaijan: Study, research, and promotion of historical-cultural and archival heritage.

  5. International Promotion of Azerbaijani Culture: Increasing representation in foreign media, social networks, and international online encyclopedic platforms (specifically regarding Karabakh and Zangazur).

  6. Expanding International Cultural Cooperation: Initiatives promoting intercultural dialogue within the "Baku Process"; activities under the "Culture for Climate" and "Peace for Culture" initiatives.

  7. Development of Behavioral Culture: Stimulating reading culture; digital library services; forming national identity among youth; capacity building for cultural sector employees.

2. Special Grant Competition for Cultural and Creative Industries (CCI)

Aligned with the "Socio-economic Development Strategy for 2022–2026," this competition focuses on:

  1. CCI Development Projects: Audio-video podcasts; production of creative goods (interactive performances, souvenirs, clothing collections, etc.).

  2. Digital Solutions in Culture: Application of innovative technologies (AI, VR, AR, Open Data, Open API); digitalization of tangible and intangible heritage; platforms for the export of creative products.

  3. Cinema, Animation, and Gaming: Intercultural co-productions; dubbing of films/multimedia; training programs for co-production skills.

  4. Local and International CCI Events: Capacity building in regions; clusters for cinema, animation, CulTech, design, gaming, and music.

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Entity Status: Must be a legally registered NGO in Azerbaijan.

  • Experience: Must have relevant experience in implementing cultural projects.

  • Large Grant Specifics: At least 80% of the NGO's actual activity must be culture-related. A support letter from a national-level cultural institution may be required.

  • Status Check: NGOs with outstanding obligations from previous Ministry grants cannot apply.

  • Quantity: Only one project per NGO is permitted.

Project Criteria

  • Duration: Minimum 3 months, maximum 6 months.

  • Location: Preference is given to projects implemented within Azerbaijan.

  • International Partners: For international activities, documentation regarding an international partner is preferred.

  • Sustainability: Sustainable projects enhancing the activities of Heydar Aliyev Centers are prioritized.

  • Legal Compliance: Proposals must comply with the Constitution and specific cultural laws (e.g., Heritage Preservation, Cinema, Media, Copyright, etc.).

Evaluation Criteria

  • Clarity of goals and innovation.

  • Sustainability and justification of the timeframe.

  • Budget alignment with grant limits.

  • Experience of the NGO and the core team.

  • Risk analysis and correct identification of beneficiaries.

  • Partnership and media cooperation strategies.

  • Alignment with the NGO's charter.

  • Expected outcomes and document accuracy.

Required Documentation (Forms provided on the portal):

  • Project Implementation Plan.

  • Project Budget Estimate.

  • Legal documents (Certificate of Registration, Extract from Registry, Charter, TIN/VÖEN).