Globally Occurring Youth Gatherings

The German Foreign Office has recently announced a series of new funding opportunities, open to applications from various sectors. These initiatives aim to promote international exchange among youth, support energy-efficient building projects, and contribute significantly to the National Security Strategy.

One of the key initiatives is the Supported International Youth Encounters. This programme encourages international exchange among youth, focusing on topics related to tolerance, mutual understanding, and democratic resilience. Youth groups with children and youth aged between 12 and 30 can apply for funding, with no geographical restrictions. The minimum application amount per year is set at 50,000 EUR, and projects must be completed within a year, latest by December 31 of the approval year.

Another significant aspect of these funding opportunities is the focus on energy-efficient building refurbishment and new construction. The Bundesförderung für effiziente Gebäude (BEG), which has been in effect since 2021, is one such programme. Ongoing updates ensure the guidelines remain relevant, and they typically remain valid until replaced by new guidelines. Other programmes, such as the DAS funding guideline, started in December 2024 and are valid until December 31, 2026. Hydrogen funding programmes are planned until the end of 2026 or 2028.

The climate-adapted forest management funding by BMLEH, which began in November 2022, offers commitments for up to 10 or 20 years, depending on criteria compliance. Expenditures for evaluations are eligible under all these programmes.

It's important to note that school exchanges and measures funded by the Children and Youth Plan are excluded from funding. Funding opportunities and volumes depend on available budget funds. No specific expenditure types are excluded from funding, and no other regulations for application exist beyond the stated timeline.

Applications can be made from October of the previous year to [email protected]. The annual projects are gender-sensitive, inclusive, and demographically diverse, targeting groups with fewer opportunities for international exchange.

These new funding opportunities not only provide a platform for youth exchange and energy-efficient projects but also significantly contribute to the National Security Strategy. For more information and to apply, visit the German Foreign Office's website.