Fund "On Equal Footing"

The "On Equal Footing" Fund has been supporting civil society engagement nationwide since 2016 that benefits refugees and those who have arrived in Germany. In an unbureaucratic, flexible format without fixed deadlines or extensive forms, the fund promotes projects that focus on respectful and empathetic dialogue between refugees, former refugees, and the host society. The goal is to enable broad participation in social processes, ensure the exchange of experiences among all involved, and foster continuous reflection on refugee work. Eligible projects include, for example, intercultural workshops, volunteer language courses, training on legal issues or understanding democracy, and similar initiatives that create inclusive spaces for encounters and bring together diverse perspectives.

Eligible for funding are non-profit foundations and organizations bearing a quality seal from the Federal Association of German Foundations – such as community foundations like Bürger.Stiftung.Halle, which submit applications for their own projects or on behalf of partner organizations. Funding is provided as a grant and is based on the criteria of "broad participation in social processes," "respectful dialogue," and "continuous reflection of the work." Interested initiatives can submit their project ideas at any time without being bound to fixed deadlines. This open procedure gives applicants and funding partners the necessary creative freedom to develop tailored concepts and contribute to strengthening social cohesion.