1. Topic – socially or politically relevant, rooted in your own lived experience; the observation of a social change or societal phenomenon.
2. Artistic form, e.g. theatre, video, photography, magazine, poetry, or dance.
3. People who are actively involved and work in a participatory way. Note: Safe spaces with a specific target group can also be funded.
4. Something special – whatever makes your project unique, e.g. an unusual location, a distinctive topic, a new target audience, an innovative format, or a collaboration partner.

• Projects that have already begun (e.g. meetings with participants, contracts, publicity work prior to approval) --> this does not refer to conceptual preparatory work
• recurring/ongoing projects (e.g. a regular course programme or series of events)
• Projects with a financial profit; any income generated (ticket sales, donations, etc.) must also be allocated to the project
• Projects in the context of studies/ exams
• Scholarships
• School projects
• Projects with approved co-financing from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) or from an institution permanently funded by the BKM (e.g. Hauptstadtkulturfonds, Stiftung Kunstfonds, Fonds Darstellende Künste, Kulturstiftung des Bundes etc.)
• Projects that are not organised/implemented by young people (permitted age of the person responsible for the project at the time of application: 18-25 years)

• One person between the ages of 18 and 25 (at the time of application); other team members may be younger or older

• Individuals (of legal age and resident in Germany), e.g. the person responsible for the project, with or without experience
• Young initiatives
• Associations or other experienced organisations that legally represent the young project lead and support and advise them on administrative requirements.
  • Important: The writing of the application, the project management, and the planning and implementation of the project must be clearly in the hands of the young project managers/initiatives
  • For their mentoring role and representation, the organizations can apply for €1,000 in 2026 in addition to the funding amount
• Applications from people with disabilities, non-native speakers and/or non-academics are explicitly welcome. The ability to express oneself linguistically has no effect on the funding decision.

• Applicants residing abroad
• People who have already submitted an application in the same funding round (only one application per person is possible)
• Projects where the management is not in the hands of a person between the ages of 18 and 25

• The cost and financing plan (KoFi) includes all project expenditure and income (not just the funds applied for)
• Please specify all costs in as much detail as possible. If costs change during the project, this is not a problem. However, all changes must be clarified with us.
• All expenses listed must be supported by verifiable financial documentation (invoice and proof of payment, e.g. bank statement)

► Sample Financing plan

In general, all expenses (except investments) that are incurred later in the project in euros are eligible for funding. The expenditure should match the project activities specified in the application. These can be:

• Fee costs (The fee recommendations of the German Cultural Council provide orientation)
• Pro rata personnel costs for permanent staff (please state the percentage of working hours included)
• Volunteer allowances (if these are actually paid)
• Rent of premises (if this is actually paid)
• Advertising, printing posters/flyers, construction of stage set etc.
• Hire of technical equipment
• Travel expenses/overnight accommodation costs in accordance with the Federal Travel Expenses Act
• Purchase of small materials (purchases under €800 net per individual purchase)
• Catering expenses for participants (within reasonable limits)
• Gema, KSK, other fees fees

• Investive expenses: all purchases over € 800 net per individual purchase.
• Administrative costs lump-sum: No lump sum settlement of office or administrative expenses can be recognized.
• Travel allowances: Travel expenses must be reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Expenses Act. Lump sum reimbursements are not eligible.
• Personal contributions/provided materials: Expenses for which there will be no subsequent payment movement (voluntary services, waiver of fees, free use of rooms or technology).
• Loss of rent fees: If the applicant has his/her own rooms that are used for the project, no loss of a possible rental of these rooms can be claimed.
• Reminder fees / interest on arrears / fines / contractual penalties / tips
• Alcoholic beverages / stimulants / medication / deposit payments: Alcoholic beverages may be eligible for funding at a premiere/vernissage.
• Hospitality costs for internal meetings: team meetings, get-togethers
• Discounts
• VAT if you are entitled to deduct input tax: Your tax advisor can tell you whether you are entitled to deduct input tax.

1. The office reads all applications shortly after they are submitted and follows up with any questions.
2. The U25 committee receives all application materials.
3. Selection meeting: all applications are discussed and evaluated.
4. Notification by email (usually about 2 months after submitting the application); in case of rejection, feedback can be requested.
5. Information event for all funded projects, covering next steps and what to keep in mind during the project.
6. Project start at the earliest from February (if applying by 2 Nov.) or from mid-July (if applying by 2 May).

Projects can be funded across calendar years – they do not need to be completed in the year of approval. However, projects may not exceed a duration of 2 years.

Funding decisions are made by the U25 committee – consisting of several young people of the cultural scene and two members of the Fonds Soziokultur's board of trustees. All board members can be found here.