New Horizons

The Nouveaux horizons program of the Baden-Württemberg Foundation supports non-profit projects in the fields of education, culture, and civil society with a clear connection to France. The aim is to sustainably strengthen intercultural exchange and cooperation between actors from Baden-Württemberg and France. Initiatives pursuing innovative approaches in digitally supported or traditional collaboration are supported. The funding offer is aimed at non-profit organizations, associations, and municipal sponsors who implement projects together with French project partners – optionally also with a third international partner. Applications are submitted via a digital portal. Through the flexible division into two funding components, a range from smaller initiatives to comprehensive projects is covered, allowing for funding of 75% to 80% of the total project costs.

The focus is on supporting civil society engagements that not only revitalize German-French exchange but also contribute to visible cultural and social development. The projects should address as diverse target groups as possible and include participatory elements that promote sustainable social cohesion. The thematic priorities range from intercultural exchange and cooperation in vocational training to the creative sector in art and literature, as well as social initiatives addressing current challenges such as climate change and mobility. In addition to financial grants, which amount to up to €10,000 per project for smaller initiatives and up to €50,000 for more extensive projects, the program requires a co-financing share that can be covered through work contributions and other resource inputs. All projects must also be planned transparently and submitted with a detailed financial plan as well as other required documents such as the tax exemption certificate and the association register excerpt.

The offer is explicitly aimed at civil society and municipal actors who already have the appropriate structures and are willing to actively participate in a cross-border project. This support not only intensifies German-French cultural exchange but also promotes European exchange and realizes innovative, cross-border project concepts. Emphasis is placed on transparency, sustainability, and high quality of project implementation to ensure the long-term impact and visibility of the joint initiative. With a clearly structured evaluation procedure and fixed submission deadlines, the program offers both ongoing and deadline-bound funding opportunities, enabling interested actors to purposefully develop and successfully implement their concepts.