UNESCO International Literacy Prizes - The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy Grant

UNESCO International Literacy Prizes - The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Amount: US $30,000
Last Updated: May 22, 2025

Summary

The UNESCO International Literacy Prizes, established in 1967, recognize outstanding innovations in literacy worldwide. The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, initiated in 2005, emphasizes functional literacy and technological support for adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth. With an annual theme focusing on literacy in a digital era, applicants must demonstrate proven achievements over at least two years. Winners receive medals, diplomas, and $30,000, fostering effective literacy practices and promoting dynamic literate societies.

Overview

NOTE: Pre-Proposal - This deadline represents the submission of the application from the applicant. The first stage is for an applicant to fill in and submit an application form through either a National Commission for UNESCO or an International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) maintaining official relations with UNESCO.Full Proposal - This deadline represents when the nomination is due. The second stage is for the concerned National Commission or international NGO to review and nominate the successful candidatures to the Secretariat of the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes. Please note that self-nominations will not be taken into consideration. UNESCO International Literacy Prizes Since 1967, UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have rewarded excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. 512 projects and programmes undertaken by governments, non-governmental organizations and individuals around the world have been recognized. Through these prestigious Prizes, UNESCO seeks to support effective literacy practices and encourages the promotion of dynamic literate societies. Applicants will be asked to make submissions related to this year's theme “Promoting literacy in a digital era" and take into consideration the specific focuses of the two prizes when applying. The UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy Established in 2005, with the support of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, it gives special consideration functional literacy, leveraging technological environments, in support of adults in rural areas and out-of-school youth. Funding 3 Awards - Each prize winner receives a medal, a diploma and US$30.000.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Institutions, organizations and individuals promoting literacy through effective and innovative programmes. Programmes must be still in operation and have a proven record of innovative work in the field of literacy for at least 2 years. Programmes that have not been awarded the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes in the past five years.

Ineligibility

Please note: the Prizes are not intended as a means to fund current programmes or proposed projects. They are also not intended as a means of funding research the Prizes are not intended for programmes in early stages of ideation or development. They aim to reward programmes that have a proven record of implementation.