LEZ Berlin – State Office for Development Cooperation (North-South Bridges Foundation)

The State Office for Development Cooperation (LEZ) of the State of Berlin has been supporting development policy education, information, and campaign work in Berlin since 2004 with annual funds of approximately €1,700,000. Funding is provided to non-profit associations, NPOs, church institutions, and educational establishments registered in the Berlin association register that implement global justice with reference to the 2030 Agenda. The funding amount is up to €10,000 per project with a minimum co-financing of 10%, which can be partially replaced by third-party funds. Eligible expenses include project personnel, material and administrative costs, travel and accommodation allowances, as well as fees according to nationwide fee scales. Internal association events and fundraising activities are not eligible for funding. Projects involving children and youth must have a bindingly adopted child protection policy. Evaluation is based on development policy relevance and connection to Berlin, quality of the project concept, and defined success indicators.

Applications for main funding can be submitted twice a year by June 30 and November 30; project start is possible from January 2027. Small grants up to €4,000 can be applied for five times a year (February 20, April 20, June 20, August 20, and October 20) as long as funds are available. Early commencement of measures requires prior written approval. Applications must be submitted with the project application form, detailed project description, expenditure and income plan, declaration on state equality, transparency database entry, and child protection policy if applicable. After a positive decision by the LEZ and the expert panel, a funding notice will be issued; disbursement is purpose-bound following a written request for funds. A professionally substantiated usage report with a narrative report, target-actual comparison, and list of receipts concludes the funding process.