Encounter Trips of the Foundation for Environment and Development North Rhine-Westphalia

The Environmental and Development Foundation North Rhine-Westphalia supports non-profit organizations, interest groups, and associations in North Rhine-Westphalia in conducting exchange trips with partnership groups from the Global South. The aim is to vividly convey ecological, political, cultural, social, and economic contexts, with at least half of the travel activities dedicated to informing and educating a broad audience in NRW. Funding is exclusively provided for invitation trips of southern partner groups to NRW; visits by local groups abroad are excluded. The grant rate is up to 30% of the total costs, with a maximum of 80% of eligible expenses, whereby own funds and third-party funds must cover at least 20%. Eligible costs include economy class flights, second-class train tickets, local travel expenses, as well as costs for preparation and follow-up. Trips primarily serving the professional training or further education of guests are excluded.

Applications can be submitted continuously; small projects up to €10,000 can be applied for at any time, while fixed deadlines apply for higher amounts. The application must include a detailed project description, a cost and financing plan, and proof of eligibility to apply. At least fifty percent of the program must consist of publicly accessible educational events or lectures in NRW and have an impact far beyond the immediate partner circles. Compliance with the foundation’s statutes and objectives is a prerequisite. Upon positive decision, payment is made in installments, with 90% of the approved amount paid before the project end and the final installment after submission of the proof of use. The funding guideline promotes encounters on an equal footing and thus contributes to sustainable, global learning and social cohesion.