You defend democracy – we support your initiative!
Right-wing extremists are gaining influence, democratic institutions are being delegitimized and anti-democratic ideologies are penetrating everyday life. Disinformation, conspiracy narratives and anti-Semitism are shaping public debates. Racism, devaluation and exclusion are a bitter reality for many people.
In times of crisis, it becomes clear that democracy needs more than formal procedures. It needs people who get involved, take responsibility and defend counter-proposals to the authoritarian escalation. A strong, effective civil society is essential for this.
You do this work – often under great pressure. You counter fear, powerlessness and isolation with solidarity, support and concrete opportunities to get involved. You create and secure spaces in which right-wing extremist ideologies have no place. You support people who are affected or threatened by right-wing extremist, racist or anti-Semitic violence. You keep democratic spaces open – even in places where engagement is increasingly attacked, delegitimized or intimidated, especially in smaller towns and rural regions.
This situation is intensifying before and after the state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Right-wing extremists are using social crises to weaken democratic institutions and pit people against each other. This makes it all the more important to have a civil society that takes a stand, organizes protection and defends democratic practices. We need places where people can come together in solidarity, negotiate conflicts and remain capable of acting together. We would like to support you in this.
Funding priorities
The focus of Gegenwind funding is on the eastern German federal states. We would particularly like to encourage initiatives from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Saxony-Anhalt to develop projects and submit applications before and after the state elections.
Projects from small towns and rural areas in Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg and Saarland are also particularly invited to apply.
Funding amount and criteria
Funding of up to 2,500 euros is available for projects that:
- take a clear stance against right-wing extremism and oppose misanthropic ideologies;
- Create or maintain meeting, protection or participation spaces in which discrimination-sensitive debates are possible, solidarity is strengthened and democratic participation is promoted;
- strengthen civil society’s commitment to democracy, support and network new initiatives and alliances or implement measures against right-wing extremist normalization;
- Strengthening the participation, self-advocacy, safety and resilience of people affected or threatened by right-wing extremist, racist or anti-Semitic violence;
- deal with upheavals in democratic culture and the right-wing extremist instrumentalization of social crises;
- analyze right-wing extremist, anti-Semitic and racist ideologies and develop effective counter-strategies;
- promote cooperation based on solidarity, for example between eastern and western Germany or between urban and rural initiatives.
- Costs for security measures, for example to secure events or rooms, can be applied for.
Notes on the application
- Preference is given to initiatives that form broad alliances and involve, for example, farms, sports clubs, voluntary fire departments, senior citizens’ facilities or self-advocacy groups for people with disabilities.
- We are here to advise you. You can find our contact details here.
- Please submit your applications via our digital application form.
- Applications can be submitted all year round as long as funding is available.
- Our general eligibility criteria and application regulations apply
Application deadline not specified