Funding programme in Belarussia, Russia and Ukraine

The “Dialogue Forum” funding programme, operated by the Foundation EVZ, targets Belarussian, Russian and Ukrainian organisations that work to improve the life situation of the elderly in their home countries. The programme aims to enhance public recognition of the victims of National Socialism and Stalinism and to engender respect for their life achievements.

The Foundation is convinced that the elderly too can play an important role in society. Through the funding programme, senior citizens – particularly victims of the National Socialist regime and Stalinism – will be encouraged to take a more active part in community life. Support is provided for local meeting places that foster participation in a range of activities, some of which involve intergenerational exchanges. It is hoped to bring about a positive change in the perception of the elderly in society and to improve the welfare framework for this group.

Directing its support towards Belarus, the Russian Federation and Ukraine, the Foundation is making EUR 300,000 available in each of these countries to fund projects for the elderly in 2009 and again EUR 300,000 in 2010.

Target group

The programme targets organisations from Russia, Ukraine and Belarus that want to establish meeting places for former forced labourers, concentration camp and ghetto inmates, prisoners of war, victims of the National Socialist occupation, people who suffered under Stalinism and other members of this age group.

The projects also intend to actively involve numerous other groups in their activities, for example socially committed volunteers, pupils, students and historians, staff in national and local authority bodies, and interested members of non-governmental organisations.

• The next call for applications is expected to take place in October 2010.
• Please find all information about implementation and deadlines on the websites of the partner organisations (see below).