Organizer Information
The Baden-Württemberg Stiftung gGmbH is one of the largest operating foundations in Germany, established to strengthen innovation, education, science, culture, and social cohesion in the state of Baden-Württemberg and beyond. The foundation operates through a range of long-term funding programs that support international cooperation, capacity building, and societal development.
Within its international portfolio, the Stiftung places strong emphasis on the Danube macro-region, aligning its activities with the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). This strategy connects 14 countries across Central and Southeastern Europe and aims to foster socio-economic development, environmental sustainability, and stronger civil society structures. Through the program Perspektive Donau: Bildung, Kultur und Zivilgesellschaft, the foundation supports transnational cooperation projects that build bridges between Germany (specifically Baden-Württemberg) and partner countries in the Danube region.
Title & Description
Perspektive Donau: Education, Culture and Civil Society – Funding Program for Transnational Cooperation Projects in the Danube Region (2026 Call)
This funding scheme supports collaborative projects that strengthen educational innovation, cultural exchange, and civil society development across the Danube region. The program specifically promotes long-term, impact-oriented initiatives between non-profit organizations based in Baden-Württemberg and at least one partner organization located in a country of the Danube Strategy area.
The core purpose of the program is to enhance cross-border cooperation and foster sustainable societal development through knowledge exchange, artistic and cultural engagement, and capacity-building initiatives. Projects are expected to contribute to one or more of the following strategic objectives:
- Development and dissemination of innovative educational models and practices
- Strengthening intercultural dialogue and awareness of cultural diversity in the Danube region
- Empowerment of civil society organizations and civic engagement
- Capacity building for professionals and institutions in education, culture, and social sectors
- Promotion of long-term networks that remain active beyond the funding period
Projects may include cultural, educational, and socially engaged artistic practices that facilitate dialogue between communities and strengthen European cooperation. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, innovation, and measurable social impact.
Categories
- Visual Arts (including interdisciplinary and socially engaged practices)
- Literature and Writing
- Music and Sound Arts
- Cultural Education Projects
- Intercultural Exchange Programs
- Community-based Art Projects
- Performance and Applied Arts (when linked to exchange or education)
- Film, Media, and Documentary Practices (if part of educational or civic engagement formats)
Eligibility
- Non-profit organizations based in Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Municipal institutions and higher education institutions are eligible
- Must collaborate with at least one partner organization in a Danube Strategy country (e.g., Austria, Romania, Serbia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Czech Republic, etc.)
- Organizations must demonstrate administrative, financial, and operational capacity to manage international projects
- Projects must be non-commercial and publicly beneficial
- Projects must not have already started at the time of application
Program Benefits & Awards
Selected projects may receive funding as follows:
- Component A: up to €10,000 for small-scale projects
- Component B: up to €50,000 for larger-scale initiatives
Funding covers up to 85% of total project costs, with a minimum 15% co-financing requirement from applicants and partners.
Additional benefits include:
- Support for transnational artistic and cultural collaboration
- Strengthening of European cultural networks
- Institutional capacity building for NGOs and cultural organizations
- Long-term visibility and sustainability of collaborative networks
- Opportunity to develop scalable, cross-border cultural models
- Administrative and reporting guidance through the Stiftung’s online portal
Application Fee
None
Application Requirements
- Completed online application form
- Proof of non-profit status (e.g., tax exemption certificate)
- Detailed project proposal including objectives, timeline, and methodology
- Financial plan (including full project budget and co-funding structure)
- Information on all partner organizations
- CVs of key project personnel (optional but recommended)
- Optional supporting materials (portfolio, concept sketches, program outlines)
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 30 April 2026
Location
Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Additional Details
- Projects must demonstrate innovation, sustainability, and long-term impact
- Environmental responsibility is strongly encouraged (e.g., low-carbon travel, sustainable materials)
- Pure exhibition or performance-only formats are not eligible unless combined with active exchange components
- Projects must contribute to network building and structural cooperation beyond the funding period
- All funded projects are subject to reporting requirements (interim and final reports)
- Funding can be revoked in case of non-compliance with reporting or contractual obligations
- Projects must not duplicate existing institutional funding structures or replace public funding responsibilities