For me, the U25 programme of Fonds Soziokultur is much more than a traditional funding line. It is a space where young people are taken seriously with their ideas, questions and perspectives. What I particularly appreciate is the low barrier: it's not about having perfect structures or years of experience in funding. Instead, the focus is on potential: energy, a willingness to experiment and the desire to rethink cultural spaces. Young initiatives in particular, which might otherwise not have access to larger funding programmes, are given the opportunity to make their vision visible and develop it further.

Ein starkes U25-Projekt zeichnet sich für mich durch Authentizität aus. Es erzählt eine eigene Geschichte, bringt eine klare Haltung mit und reagiert auf konkrete Bedarfe vor Ort. Besonders wichtig ist mir, dass junge Menschen nicht nur als Zielgruppe gedacht werden, sondern als aktive Gestalterinnen und Gestalter des Projekts auftreten. Wenn Beteiligung ernst gemeint ist und nicht nur auf dem Papier steht, entsteht echte kulturelle und demokratische Erfahrung. Gleichzeitig beeindruckt mich, wenn Projekte den Mut haben, neue Wege zu gehen - sei es durch innovative Formate, interdisziplinäre Ansätze oder durch das Aufgreifen gesellschaftlicher Themen, die junge Menschen unmittelbar betreffen.

In my work on the jury, I am particularly interested in what lies behind an idea. What motivates the applicants? What experiences or observations led to the project idea? I also pay attention to how a project thinks beyond the funding period: what impact is to be achieved, what processes will be initiated? It is important to me to take different starting conditions into account. Not every initiative has the same resources or the same experience in applying for funding. The decisive factor for me is whether the idea has been developed in a coherent, comprehensible and committed manner.

I would advise anyone who is currently considering submitting an application not to be intimidated by perceived expectations. An application does not have to be perfect or particularly complicated. It is much more important to make clear why the project is relevant, who it aims to reach and what it hopes to change or achieve through its implementation. It helps to clearly state your own motivation and describe the target group in concrete terms. At the same time, it is worthwhile to consult with others in advance, gather feedback and refine the idea together.

Ultimately, U25 is about strengthening young cultural initiatives that try new things, ask questions and open up new perspectives. Anyone who pursues a well-thought-out idea with genuine passion and clearly explains why it is needed already has the most important prerequisite.

Leonel Richy Andicene