Global Issues

Democracy

How can we strengthen democracy in Germany and Europe?

The Situation

Democracy in Germany, Europe, and all across the globe is facing major challenges. Trust in institutions and processes is dwindling, and many citizens find their expectations of participation and justice are not being met. This feeling of being underrepresented in political discourse and processes can undermine the legitimacy of democracy, as well as intensify a tendency toward division and populism, challenging the very foundations of our coexistence.

The Goal

We advocate for viable democracy and rule of law in Germany and Europe, which enjoy legitimacy and the critical trust of their citizens. The cornerstone to achieve this is a firmly embedded, lived experience of a culture of democracy – both online and in real life – and politically educated citizens who are capable of discerning thought and taking action, citizens who put democracy into practice as they actively participate and demand inclusion.

Our Strategy

We encourage people to acquire the skills needed to maintain a healthy democracy, a constructive culture of debate, as well as political and societal inclusion. We also strengthen innovative civic participation formats in order to complement representative democracy, meaning more people regard themselves as shapers of political processes. In doing so, we focus on the working age population and center our involvement on Germany’s shared border regions with its neighbors.

Discover our projects

Democracy

It’s Complicated.

People and their democracy in Germany, France, Britain, Poland, and the United States. This representative study puts attitudes toward democracy in the five countries under the microscope.

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Democracy

Citizens’ Assembly on “Germany’s Role in the World”

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Democracy

Business Council for Democracy #BC4D

We promote new alliances to protect democracy in the digital age. #BC4D tests and develops...

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Democracy

Strong Teachers – Strong Students

We support vocational teachers in dealing with right wing extremism amoung their pupils. Through...

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Democracy

NETTZ

Hate speech on the internet has regrettably become an increasingly pressing social issue. The NETTZ network aims to confront the current trend by supporting moral courage on digital media as well as cultivating a positive...

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Do you have a project idea you would like to submit to us?

We are pleased about your interest in working with us. As a nonprofit foundation, we have limited funds at our disposal, which is why we cannot support every project idea submitted to us. You will in any case hear back from our team within four weeks regarding our decision on your project idea.

  • We are focusing our funding on projects that aim to reach out to people in their working age. For this reason we cannot fund projects that target mainly children and youngsters.
  • We can only support individuals within the context of project-specific calls for submissions. This also applies to individual PhD projects or other scholarships. Please check our current open calls to see whether there is anything suitable for you. 
  • Humanitarian aid is an important approach to relieving distress in acute emergency situations and requires special expertise. However, our strategic focus is on the overall configuration of the immigration society. Therefore, we ask you not to submit requests related to acute emergency aid.
  • Unfortunately, we are not able to assume the costs for purchase of materials or infrastructure projects.

Contact person

Jacqueline Sachse
Team Assistant
Phone+49 711 46084-490
e-mail to Jacqueline Sachse

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