Grant

Marion Dönhoff Scholarship

Scholarship program of the Michael Succow Foundation for young conservationists, scientists, and activists from post-Soviet states. Study and research stays in Germany of up to five months. Applications by January 1 and July 1 each year.

Environmental/Nature Protection Education

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Grant criteria

Application level: Advanced
Region: Germany (nationwide)
Project duration: 5 months

Funding objective

Funding of study and research stays in Germany for young conservationists, environmental journalists, political ecologists, and civil society activists from countries of the post-Soviet region and Central Asia to critically engage with environmental and sustainability issues.

Eligible to apply

  • Individuals

Funding requirements

  • Post-graduate students with professional experience or activists in the fields of environmental journalism, political ecology, sustainable development
  • Age between 25 and 38 years
  • Good English or German skills, spoken and written (Russian in exceptional cases)
  • Originating from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania

Documents required for application

  1. Letter of motivation
  2. Project description
  3. Curriculum vitae
  4. Proof of language skills
  5. Copy/scan of passport

Description

The Marion Dönhoff Scholarship of the Michael Succow Foundation offers young conservationists, scientists, and activists from post-Soviet states and Central Asia the opportunity to conduct research and study in Germany for up to five months. Individuals aged 25 to 38 with a postgraduate degree or relevant professional experience in environmental journalism, political ecology, or sustainable development are eligible for funding. Proficiency in German or English (Russian in exceptional cases) forms the linguistic basis to independently analyze and critically reflect on topics such as climate and nature conservation, energy efficiency, and education within the framework of the fellowship. Up to four fellowships are awarded annually, implemented at the Succow Foundation in Greifswald and at up to two additional host institutions.

The fellows work on a self-chosen project aligned with Marion Dönhoff’s programmatic legacy and integrating human rights-relevant aspects into environmental dialogue. The results must be published in a publication or working paper, thereby contributing to the international networking of regional initiatives. Applications must be submitted by January 1 and July 1 each year and include a letter of motivation, project description, CV, language certificate, and a copy of the passport. The scholarship promotes sustainable development, critical East-West dialogue, and long-term exchange in the spirit of shared responsibility for the environment and society.

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