Funding according to § 96 Federal Expellees and Refugees Act

The funding program according to § 96 of the Federal Expellees and Refugees Act (BVFG) of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia is aimed at private individuals, associations, educational institutions, and companies based in the state. It supports cultural and historical-political initiatives for the preservation of cultural heritage in the former German eastern and settlement areas – ranging from lectures, seminars, and workshops to exhibitions and publications, as well as musical or dance encounters both within Germany and in the respective country of origin. Priority is given to cross-border measures involving persons, institutions, or cultural assets on both sides of the former borders. Up to 90% of eligible expenses (personnel, material costs, travel expenses, fees, and, in justified cases, investments) are covered as a non-repayable grant. The grant must amount to at least 1,000 euros (or 250 euros for traditional or religious events). Applications for the first half of the year must be submitted by October 20 of the previous year, and for the second half by April 20, to the respective district government authority.

The aim of the funding is to promote international understanding and appropriately consider the relationships between Germans and their eastern neighbors. Eligible projects are those that link the concept of cross-border culture of remembrance, engagement with flight and expulsion, as well as historical-political education and integration. The application documents include a detailed project description, a financing plan, an exhibition or event description, and the official application form (Annex 1). Selection is based on clear criteria such as the quality of the project conception, cross-border relevance, and the aspect of international understanding. The funding guideline serves as the basis for approval, which is granted at the discretion of the authorities within the framework of available budgetary resources.