International Dance Organization Announces 2026 Call for Applications under the IDO Dance Development Fund

The International Dance Organization (IDO) has officially launched the 2026 Call for Applications under the IDO Dance Development Fund (IDO DDF), a financial support program established as of January 1, 2026.

For the 2026 cycle, a total amount of EUR 55,000 has been allocated to support projects proposed by IDO Member Organizations. The IDO Dance Development Fund has been created to strengthen national member organizations, encourage cooperation across countries, reward competitive excellence, and promote sustainable growth within the global IDO structure.

Program Structure

The IDO DDF is intended for IDO ordinary members and their respective organizational structures and individuals eligible on the date of the Call. The program is implemented periodically based on decisions of the IDO Presidium, taking into account the performance of the previous calendar year and the strategic priorities for the upcoming period.

The maximum financial support per approved project is EUR 5,000. If the number of eligible applications exceeds the available budget, funding will be awarded exclusively to the highest-ranked projects according to the final scoring list prepared by the Evaluation Commission.

Program Objectives

The 2026 Call is structured around four clearly defined objectives:

1. Support for Smaller and Developing IDO Members (up to 15% of total funds)
Projects focused on educational programs for coaches and dancers, first-time organization of IDO international competitions and festivals, and initiatives aimed at strengthening national IDO members.

2. Fostering Cooperation Among IDO Members (up to 20% of total funds)
Collaborative projects involving a minimum of three IDO members, promoting knowledge exchange, education, and joint organization of international competitions.

3. Support for IDO Members with Outstanding Results (up to 50% of total funds)
Support granted on the basis of achievements at IDO World Championships, Continental Championships, World Cups, and Continental Cups, in accordance with defined scoring criteria.

4. Support for IDO Choreographers, Coaches, and Dance Teachers (up to 15% of total funds)
Financial support based on competitive achievements at World and Continental Championships.

Evaluation and Decision-Making

Projects will be evaluated by a Commission composed of no fewer than five members and two substitutes, appointed by the IDO Presidium. Commission members are required to act independently and may not evaluate projects originating from their own country or where a conflict of interest exists.

Each Commission member will conduct an independent assessment. The final scoring list will be calculated as the average of the individual evaluations and submitted to the IDO Presidium for confirmation. The allocation of funds will be formally confirmed by a declaratory resolution of the IDO Presidium.

Financial Procedures and Accountability

For each approved project, a Funding Agreement will be signed between IDO and the recipient. Financial resources will be disbursed exclusively via bank transfer following the signing of the agreement.

Recipients are required to acknowledge IDO support in all promotional and communication materials related to the approved project, in accordance with IDO branding guidelines. A final narrative and financial report, including supporting documentation, must be submitted within the deadline specified in the Funding Agreement.

IDO reserves the right to monitor and verify the implementation of approved projects and the proper use of awarded funds. In cases where a project is not implemented without justified reason, the recipient will be required to return the awarded funds and may be excluded from future Calls for a period of one year.

The 2026 Call for Applications reflects IDO’s commitment to structured development, transparency, and strategic support for its global membership. Member Organizations are encouraged to carefully review the Call provisions and submit their applications within the established deadline.

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