ALF MEDITERRANEAN CAPITALS OF CULTURE AND DIALOGUE 2025
CALL TO SUPPORT CULTURAL AND INTERCULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN ALEXANDRIA
Submit your proposal now and bring your creative and cultural vision to life!
Application Deadline: 20 September 2025
Call to Support Cultural and Intercultural Activities in Alexandria (Received)
Call to Support Cultural and Intercultural Activities in Alexandria (Provisionally Selected)
Read the call in PDF here.
About the Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue
The Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue are born from the collective efforts of over 200 young representatives from the civil society of over 20 countries, who gathered at the Forum des Mondes Méditerranéens in February 2022 in Marseille. Their recommendations, alongside the call of Ministers of Culture of the Euro-Mediterranean region in June of the same year in Naples, inspired the 43 Member States of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership to endorse it to further promote the diversity and shared identity of the Mediterranean and contribute to a better mutual understanding of its peoples.
Building on this youth-driven momentum of shared ambition, the ALF and the UfM worked together in close collaboration with young civil society representatives and governments to design and launch this initiative. This collaborative and open approach ensures that it remains rooted in the ambitions and voices of the youth at its core.
Alexandria and Tirana have been nominated as Mediterranean Capitals of Culture and Dialogue for 2025. In this context, the ALF decided to organise its ALForum in Tirana in June 2025 and is now launching this open call to support cultural and intercultural activities in Alexandria.
This call reaffirms the ALF’s commitment to supporting cities as dynamic spaces for intercultural dialogue and as engines for cooperation between local administrations, intercultural entities or equivalent organisations through artistic performances, interactive initiatives and dialogue in shaping more inclusive societies.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking intercultural entities or equivalent capable of designing and implementing cultural and intercultural activities in indoor venues or outdoor public spaces in Alexandria (non-profit-no ticket sales) to be carried out between October and December 2025 that:
1) demonstrate the power of culture as a tool for social inclusion;
2) showcase the diversity of the Euro-Mediterranean region and create a sense of unity through different forms of arts
3) provide a vibrant and interactive setting that connects with the people of Alexandria.
These activities could take place, among others, in the following locations in Alexandria:
- Anna Lindh Foundation vGh (Please reach out to eicp@alfsecretariat.org for vGh venue inquiries)
Types of cultural and intercultural activities could include, but not limited to: Live performances such as dance, theatre, activities reflecting cultural heritage (crafts, food, storytelling), visual art installations with interactive components, sensory experiences (interactive sounds or tactile art) or collaborative art activities.
Call for participation open until 20/09/25 midnight Central European Time, CET
Interested intercultural entities or equivalent of the 43 countries of the Euro-Mediterranean region (Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mauritania, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Palestine, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Syria, The Netherlands, Tunisia and Türkiye) are invited to submit their proposals (in English, French or Arabic) before 20 September 2025 at 23.59 CET via the online application form only.
The same entity may not submit more than one application to this call.
How to prepare an application in three steps
- Reach an agreement in principle with a local partner based in Alexandria and, if the applicant is from Alexandria, with an Alexandrian local administration
- Settle a date and a location where the proposed intercultural activity will take place
- Complete the application form, providing an outline of your idea and the value you aim to bring
Important note: As this is a call for creative proposals, there is room/flexibility for adjustments and refinements. The ALF Secretariat may request modifications to the applications received prior to final selection and implementation. These adjustments could include budget revisions, changes in the activities’ location or content focus amendments to ensure the best use of available resources and maximise its impact. Shortlisted intercultural entities or equivalent have the right to decide whether to proceed with the proposed adjustments or withdraw their applications.
Tasks to be done/coordinated by the selected lead organisations
Conclude a written agreement (contract/MoU/agreement/support letter) with with a local partner based in Alexandria and, if the applicant is from Alexandria, with an Alexandrian local administration defining roles and responsibilities (this is a pre-requisite for initiating any payment procedure)
Sign the contract with ALF in which obligations and outputs to be delivered will be described, in line with the detail below
Carry out the proposed intercultural activity (non-profit-no ticket sales) ensuring the visibility of the ALF and the EU
Provide at least five professional photos capturing the audience, the event and its impact
Produce and publish a short video on Instagram and/or Facebook showcasing highlights of the intercultural activity
Submit a brief lessons learned report
Actively participate in the online meetings organized by the ALF Secretariat
Funding Categories
Applications should be complete and comprehensive and provide a detailed breakdown of how the funds will be used (venues, equipment, materials, fees, local transportation, main meals, international travel, accommodation and other necessary elements to carry out the proposed activity), ensuring all elements are covered.
It is strongly recommended that each applicant cover part of the costs of the proposed activity with their own means or through the local partner/administration. This will not only generate a leverage effect on available resources but will also contribute to increasing the number of beneficiaries.
The selected applications will receive a lump sum to cover the costs of implementing the proposed activities. Funding will be provided according to the following categories:
Small scale: Up to 2.500 euro (covering a maximum of three individuals)
Medium scale: Between 2.500 and 5.000 euro (covering a maximum of five individuals)
Payment modalities
For small scale category: No pre-financing payments are foreseen. The final allocation will be released as soon as the proposed activity took place, upon receipt and approval of the deliverables defined in the contract. Upon request, a pre-financing equivalent to 60% of the final allocation may be issued. In those cases, the lead entity will assume the estimated cost of the bank transfers, which amount to 120 euro and will be deducted from the final allocation.
For medium scale category: 60% of the final allocation will be released upon submission of the agreement in writing with a local partner based in Alexandria and, if the applicant is from Alexandria, with an Alexandrian local administration and signature of the contract; 40% will be released after the implementation of the proposed activity, upon receipt and approval of the deliverables defined in the contract detailed above.
Selection criteria
Selection criteria will be based on the quality of the applications received in terms of impact. Priority will be given to intercultural entities or equivalent that are members of the ALF Network. A gender, youth and geographical balance between regions and countries as well as the diversity of cultural backgrounds will be observed.
Due to the large number of applications expected, the limited resources available, and the aim of diversifying the beneficiaries, priority will be given to applications that did not receive funding in the “Uniting Cultures” call launched last March within the framework of ALForum 2025 in Tirana.
Likewise, it is not allowed to apply for this call and also for the call published simultaneously on “ALF Mediterranean Day 2025”. Intercultural entities that submit applications to both calls may be disqualified.
The evaluation process will consider the following key elements:
- Cost/effectiveness (30%): Impactful and engaging activities that are feasible to implement with optimal logistical requirements
- Credentials (25%): Relevant competencies and professional experience of the leading entities/individuals involved, with a track record of implementing similar activities in the field of intercultural dialogue
- Interaction (20%): Proposals that create collaborative and engaging experiences, encouraging meaningful interactions with the audience
- Dissemination plan (15%): Elements necessary to make the proposed cultural and intercultural activity visible at the local level
- Sustainability (10%): Proposals that consider environmental aspects in their materials or implementation
Indicative Timeline
10/08/25 Launch of the call
03/09/25 Online information session here
20/09/25 Deadline to receive submitted applications
30/09/25 Publication of the selection results
October-December 2025 Period of implementation of the selected applications
Background
The ALF, was created in 2005 as a Euro-Mediterranean intergovernmental organisation based in Alexandria. The ALF, inspired by Anna Lindh’s legacy, is committed to fostering intercultural dialogue within its mission of nurturing inclusive societies where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s voice is valued. By promoting peace, justice, and strong partnerships, the ALF strives to create a world where people from diverse backgrounds live in harmony through open and meaningful intercultural exchanges.
ALF brings together organisations, institutions, policy makers, and other change makers from all Euro-Med countries to open a dialogue and cooperate. People meet, learn, and collaborate, through the Foundation’s different Programmes and initiatives in different fields to empower them to create a chain of positive change that touches more lives and communities. Its action is grounded on the two main ALF bodies: Its National Civil Society Networks, with more than 4.500 members, and the 43 States of its Board of Governors.
Framework and financial allocation
This call is being developed within the framework of the EU Grant Phase VII in accordance with the ALF Multiannual Work Programme 2025-2028. The total indicative amount allocated to this call is 30.000 euro.
The ALF reserves the right to award the contracts subject to the availability of the funds and the pending signature of the new grant contract (Phase VII) with the EC.
Contact us on communication@alfsecretariat.org for any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1- Can the proposed activity be anything culture related like a food carnival/ festival/market?
Yes, if you are adhering to the elements in the call.
2- Who manages the budget? The lead entity or the organisation responsible for the activities?
The budget is handled by the selected entity or organisation.
3- When are we expected to receive the first amount if applying for a small scale?
Within 15 days of signing the contract.
4- Can we have different nationalities in the leading team?
Yes, all 43 Euro-Med nationals are welcome to collaborate as one team.
5- Is an organisation eligible to apply with two proposals?
No, one proposal per entity.
6- What does it mean “covering maximum of 3 or 5 people”?
That the individuals mobilised to travel should be 3 to 5 people, including leading organiser, artist, facilitator, etc.
7- Is it allowed to have more than one local partner?
Yes, you can have more than one partner, but the leading local partner should be the one submitted in the application.
8- Is it possible to apply with the leading organisation based outside the Euro Mediterranean region, if all project partners and collaborators are from within the Euro-Mediterranean area?
No, the applying organisation must be registered in one of the 43 Euro-Med countries.
9- Can the applying lead organisation not be an ALF network member?
Yes, but we give priority in selection to the network members.
10- Are the locations mentioned in the call the only ones we could apply with?
No, we proposed a list of 14 venues as a suggestion. You may look for other partners/locations in Alexandria outside of the proposed list.
11- Can the partner organisation, located in Alexandria, be a partner in more than one proposal?
No, to give more chances to other organisations as the ALF will select around 6 to 8 organisations for this call.
12- I applied to become a member, but I didn’t receive a reply. Will I be given priority?
If you applied but haven’t received a reply yet make sure to mention in your application that
your membership is pending approval.
13- If I applied before in Tirana and did not get accepted, can I modify the proposal and still considered previously applied?
Yes, the proposal will be considered.