LOCAL – Program for Culture and Engagement

The LOKAL Program – Program for Culture and Engagement of the Federal Cultural Foundation supports the development and sustainable establishment of at least 26 networks in cities and municipalities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. The goal is to strengthen local cultural and engagement structures in the long term to consolidate cultural diversity and social cohesion on site. With a focus on interdisciplinary cooperation, the program opens spaces for cultural initiatives, civil society actors, and municipal partners who jointly implement innovative projects. Over a multi-year period, networks receive financial support, professional guidance, and reinforcement of their regional impact potential. This is intended to generate impulses that enable and sustainably anchor new forms of cultural production and democratic engagement in smaller municipalities.

Eligible for funding are non-profit organizations, public institutions, interest groups, or other associations that initiate cooperative networks in cities and municipalities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. A key prerequisite is the long-term commitment and close collaboration of cultural actors with civil society partners. Applications can be submitted until March 31, 2026, 12:00 PM. The awarding of grants is decided by an independent jury based on the application documents. The program is aimed at all those who wish to connect local cultural and media projects as well as socio-political initiatives and develop innovative formats for societal dialogue. Through the funding, resilient networks are created that provide impulses for sustainable engagement and enrich everyday cultural life in smaller municipalities.