Program Line II "Short Encounters and Collaboration of International Partners"

The Program Line II "Short Encounters and International Partner Collaboration" of the West-Eastern Divan Foundation supports nonprofit organizations, municipal institutions, and cities across Germany in short working meetings with partner institutions in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Baltic states. Such encounters, lasting a maximum of four days (plus travel time), promote dialogue, networking, and joint project planning between one to four German and foreign participants. The focus is on initiating contact, preparing and following up on upcoming projects, as well as exchanging experiences as a basis for long-term cooperation. The measure is exclusively aimed at institutions based in Germany, with German legal status and recognition of nonprofit status or municipal sponsorship. A partnership with at least one organization in the respective partner country is a prerequisite, and a co-financing contribution of at least 30% of travel costs is expected.

Funding covers travel expenses (public transportation only), accommodation costs (up to 30 EUR/night), and a program allowance for foreign participants (10 EUR/day) with a maximum funding amount of 2,000 EUR per encounter at a funding rate of 70%. Private car usage and cash payments to participants are not reimbursable. The project duration is up to one month, and applications can be submitted continuously. Evaluation criteria include dialogue and partnership, equality of partners, and sustainability of relationships. For the application, the foundation’s application form must be accompanied by a travel cost table, an extract from the register of associations or statutes, and proof of nonprofit status. The grant offers straightforward funding to establish international cooperation on a stable footing and to strengthen civic engagement for social cohesion.