Start2Act - Funding for Pilot Projects

The new funding program of the Federal Association for Cultural Child and Youth Education (BKJ) supports non-profit associations and foundations in creating safe spaces in cultural education where children and young people are comprehensively protected from (sexualized) violence. Within this framework, low-threshold impulse projects and creative workshops can be implemented that address, reflect on, and raise awareness of the topic of non-violent interaction in an age-appropriate manner. Additionally, the program promotes the development or updating of protection concepts. Individual projects are subsidized with up to €2,000; both material costs and fees are covered 100%, so no own funds are required. A special focus is placed on organizations in rural areas as well as those with a strong voluntary character. Target groups include, besides children and young people, parents, volunteers, freelance staff, and board members.

Eligible for funding are legal entities under private law with recognized non-profit status. Applicants must submit the complete application at least six weeks before the project start date, including a protection concept or declaration of commitment, a financing plan, an excerpt from the register of associations, proof of non-profit status, and an annual report or activity description. Selection criteria include thematic relevance, qualification of professionals, involvement of children and young people, as well as regional and voluntary orientation. The program runs continuously until the end of 2024, with individual applications being reviewed as long as funds are available. Each organization can receive up to a total of €60,000 across multiple project initiatives.