Promotion of Youth Voluntary Services

The state of Brandenburg, with the support of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), promotes the implementation of youth voluntary services to sustainably strengthen the training, professional, and academic capabilities of young people. Funded are the Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ), the Voluntary Social Year in Child and Youth Welfare as well as in Sports (FSJ KiJu, FSJ Sport), the Voluntary Social Year in Culture (FSJ K), and the Voluntary Social Year in Monument Preservation (FSJ D). Eligible to apply are recognized providers according to § 10 of the Youth Voluntary Services Act, including associations, public institutions, and interest groups with headquarters or branches in Brandenburg. The aim of the funding is to facilitate the transition into training, profession, or studies through practical experience and professional guidance, and to promote the personal development as well as the social engagement of participants under 27 years of age.

A prerequisite for a grant is the socio-pedagogical supervision of participants according to federal guidelines, compliance with gender equality, and respect for fundamental rights as well as the Charter of the European Union. Participants must have completed their full-time schooling obligation, reside in the state of Brandenburg at the time of the service, and be younger than 27 years. Providers ensure a diverse selection of placements and professionally qualified guidance. The funding rates amount to EUR 530.93 per month for the FÖJ, EUR 417.00 per month for the FSJ KiJu and FSJ Sport, and EUR 496.00 per month for the FSJ K and FSJ D. Applications are submitted on fixed deadlines prior to the start of the respective service via the ILB customer portal of the Investment Bank of the State of Brandenburg.