Stiftung West-Östliche Begegnungen

The West-Eastern Divan Foundation is a non-profit, legally recognized foundation under civil law based in Berlin. Founded in 1994 from the assets of the dissolved Society for German-Soviet Friendship, it promotes dialogue, exchange, and friendship between people in Germany and the independent states of the former Soviet Union. Its focus areas are intercultural youth and school exchanges, civil society projects, city and school partnerships, as well as its own formats such as conferences and network meetings. Since its inception, over 3,500 projects have been supported with more than eight million euros.

The West-Eastern Divan Foundation is committed to promoting peace and international understanding by deepening neighborly relations and dialogue between people in Germany and the partner countries of the former Soviet Union. As a bridge-builder, it facilitates sustainable encounters through funding, consulting, and its own initiatives, thereby strengthening civil society cooperation.

The funding opportunities are aimed at civil society organizations, associations, initiatives, schools, and municipalities in Germany as well as in the foundation's partner countries. In particular, young people and educational institutions, but also established non-profit organizations, cultural and environmental institutions that plan and implement projects of intercultural exchange, youth exchange, and joint social participation, belong to the target group.