Funding of the German Youth Stamp Foundation

The Deutsche Jugendmarke Foundation supports innovative and exemplary projects in child and youth welfare through its grant model. The funding program is aimed at non-profit organizations as well as public institutions engaged in the new construction, conversion, or expansion of extracurricular educational venues and practice-oriented research in youth welfare. The targeted funding program supports projects that advance new ideas and approaches to establish high-quality offerings in the fields of culture, media, music, and social affairs. The focus is on the development of modern facilities, innovative concepts in the education sector, and the scientific accompaniment of future-oriented projects. Grants, which can amount to up to €200,000 per project, are intended to make a significant contribution to the further development of child and youth welfare. In this context, particular emphasis is placed on a well-founded cost and financing plan, which must include own funds, in-kind contributions, and additional complementary funding – federal funds are not taken into account.

The funding concept is based on three focal points: Innovation, Construction, and Research. Within the innovation focus, forward-looking methods and approaches are supported that can serve as models for other projects. Projects in the construction area enable the expansion and modernization of nationally relevant educational institutions, while the research focus centers on scientific studies and practice-relevant projects. Funding is provided as deficit financing with a duration of 24 months, whereby applicants must submit their concepts including detailed cost and financing plans. All submitted projects are evaluated according to strict criteria regarding their level of innovation, financial plausibility, and practical feasibility.

The initiative targets actors in child and youth welfare who are engaged nationwide in shaping modern and needs-based educational spaces. Through targeted support of innovative and exemplary projects, sustainable impulses for the development of the youth sector are to be set. Applications are submitted in multiple application phases, with documents such as funding guidelines and specific application forms (for model projects, construction projects, practice research, as well as nationally central initiatives) required. This funding instrument contributes to the continuous advancement of child and youth welfare practice and sustainably improves the framework conditions for young people in Germany.