The World Heritage Fund provides about US$4 million annually to support activities requested by States Parties in need of international assistance. It includes compulsory and voluntary contributions from the States Parties, as well as from private donations.

The World Heritage Committee allocates funds according to the urgency of requests, priority being given to the most threatened sites. International Assistance from the Fund can support requests falling under five categories:

• Preparatory assistance: to prepare tentative lists, nominations of properties, conservation project proposals or management plans;
• Training assistance: to support group training activities, mainly for personnel working on World Heritage sites (individual scholarships cannot be funded);
• Technical cooperation: to provide expertise and material support for management plans and various conservation activities;
• Emergency assistance: to enable urgent action to repair damage caused by adverse human activity or natural disasters;
• Promotional and educational assistance: to raise awareness and develop educational materials.