LOCAL - Program for Culture and Engagement
The open-application model program "LOKAL – Program for Culture and Engagement" supports the nationwide development of at least 26 long-term networks in cities and municipalities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. Up to 240,000 euros per project are available for four years.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The aim of the funding is the development of local partnerships between cultural institutions and other local actors to implement community-oriented, artistically participatory projects. The program seeks to promote local exchange and social interactions as well as to establish long-term networks in smaller towns and municipalities.
Eligible expenses
- Honorarium costs
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
Non-eligible expenses
- Expenditures for the continuation of existing partnerships
- Funding for already planned events
Eligible to apply
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Located in Germany
- Cultural institutions or cultural associations
- Organized as a public-law or private-law corporation
- Focus in a city or municipality with under 100,000 inhabitants
Description
The open-application model program LOKAL – Program for Culture and Engagement supports the nationwide establishment of at least 26 long-term networks in cities and municipalities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. With a grant of up to €240,000 per project over a period of four years, the program offers nonprofit organizations and public institutions a unique opportunity to realize artistically participatory projects in close collaboration with diverse local stakeholders – such as sports clubs, schools, daycare centers, and local businesses. The goal is to promote lively exchange and social interactions, thereby making a sustainable contribution to cultural diversity and social cohesion.
The funding is explicitly aimed at cultural institutions, cultural associations, socio-cultural centers, theaters, libraries, museums, and similar institutions that actively engage in participatory processes and the development of local partnerships. Eligibility requires a registered office in Germany and a legal form as a public-law or private-law corporation. Additionally, the program specifically supports cost-covering expenses such as fees, personnel costs, and material costs, while expenses for continuing already existing partnerships or financing already planned events are not eligible for funding.
The program is distinguished not only by its financial support but also by accompanying measures for consultation and networking. In two nationwide calls for proposals, with application deadlines on February 14, 2025, and February 13, 2026, interested organizations have the opportunity to present innovative project ideas. Grants are awarded following an allocation process that takes into account recommendations from an independent expert jury. The funding measure is expected to start in June 2025 and, with a duration of 48 months, enables the sustainable development of regional partnerships that serve as catalysts for societal debates and a vibrant, participatory cultural space.
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