© Katarzyna Mazur
German-Israeli relations are experiencing a significant generational and societal shift. As the generation of Holocaust survivors becomes smaller, new forms of remembrance, civic engagement and democratic cooperation are essential to maintain and renew the relationship between both societies.
For many years, the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ) has been actively engaged in Germany-Israel relations through its support for Holocaust survivors, remembrance initiatives and civil society cooperation. This engagement stems from the EVZ Foundation’s historical responsibility and its commitment to combating antisemitism, strengthening democratic societies and preserving the memory of National Socialist persecution.
At the same time, both Germany and Israel are facing growing societal challenges. Public debates have become increasingly polarized, digital spaces are shaped by disinformation, hate speech and oversimplified narratives, and democratic institutions and civil society organizations are under growing pressure. The events of 7 October 2023 and their aftermath have further intensified tensions and uncertainties in both societies.
Against this backdrop, cooperation between civil society actors in Germany and Israel is particularly important. Especially in times of polarization, there is a need for spaces that enable exchange, critical reflection, and the development of innovative democratic and civic approaches.
Through the program Shared Civic Futures, the EVZ Foundation supports German-Israeli partnerships that address societal narratives, democratic resilience, antisemitism and polarization. The program connects historical responsibility with contemporary democratic challenges and promotes projects that develop new ways of cooperation, understanding and civic engagement.
The program supports institutionalized cooperation projects between organizations from Germany and Israel.
Projects must be assigned to one of the following two funding tracks:
Digital platforms and social media have become key spaces for public communication and civic engagement. At the same time, antisemitic narratives, Holocaust distortion and Israel-related antisemitism are spreading rapidly across these digital environments and national borders.
The program supports projects that develop innovative educational, civic or technological approaches to counter antisemitic and other anti-democratic narratives in digital spaces and to strengthen democratic discourse.
Possible project approaches include:
Projects funded under this track may apply for up to EUR 175,000.
Images, films and other visual media shape societal narratives about history, identity and the present. They reflect individual and collective experiences on both cognitive and emotional levels. In the German-Israeli context in particular, visual representations play a key role in fostering mutual understanding of historical experiences, contemporary societal developments and future perspectives.
The program therefore supports cooperation projects that use visual media and audiovisual formats to explore shared experiences and develop new forms of civic understanding and engagement within both societies.
Particular attention will be given to projects that address contemporary societal challenges, experiences of resilience and visions for the future in Germany and Israel since 2020.
Possible project approaches include:
Projects are expected to present their results in digital formats while also creating opportunities for in-person exchange, dialogue, and public reflection.
The program supports projects that have a clear civic, educational and participatory dimension. Traditional film production or film financing schemes are not eligible.
Projects funded under this track may apply for up to EUR 100,000.
The EVZ Foundation places particular importance on ensuring that project results, experiences and developed approaches reach audiences beyond the project’s immediate partners. Public engagement, communication and knowledge transfer are therefore considered integral components of the program.
Applicants are expected to outline their plan for communicating project activities and results and for engaging relevant audiences. This may include public events, publications, exhibitions, digital formats, media outreach, or other suitable dissemination activities.
The EVZ Foundation welcomes close cooperation on communication activities and may support the visibility of funded projects through its own communication channels wherever possible.
The program initiates and strengthens institutionalized cooperation between civil society organizations in Germany and Israel that address key challenges of communication, democratic participation and mutual understanding in pluralistic societies.
At its core are partnerships that explore the creation, dissemination and impact of societal narratives, particularly in digital environments and visual media, while encouraging exchange among different social groups and actively involving minorities and marginalized communities.
Projects should contribute to:
The program supports encounters and exchanges, as well as the development of sustainable approaches that respond to contemporary societal challenges and will remain relevant beyond the duration of individual projects.
Eligible applicants are non-profit organizations or institutions based in Germany or Israel.
To receive funding, organizations must cooperate with at least one partner organization from the other country. Eligible organizations may include, for example:
Projects should demonstrate a clear institutional foundation, well-defined target groups, and meaningful and transparent cooperation structures between the participating organizations.
Projects implemented by Israeli organizations must comply with the European Union's guidelines on the eligibility of Israeli entities and their activities. Israeli partner organizations must therefore be established and carry out all project activities within Israel's internationally recognized pre-1967 borders. Applications that do not meet these requirements are not eligible for funding.
The program does not support:
Projects that undermine democratic principles, minority rights or pluralistic public discourse are not eligible for funding.
Only non-profit legal entities are eligible to apply. Applications from individuals or for-profit organizations will not be considered.
Universities and higher education institutions are eligible to apply, provided that the proposed project has a clear focus on civil society, educational, cultural or public engagement, and is not primarily an academic research project.
Funding requests may range from EUR 75,000 to:
Projects may have a duration of 12 to 24 months.
Applications must be submitted in English using the official EVZ Foundation application forms and must include:
The application deadline is 30 September 2026, 23:59 (CET).
Projects may start no earlier than 1 January 2027. Projects that have already commenced are not eligible for funding.
An online consultation session for interested applicants will take place on 27 August 2026 from 1:00 pm CET.
Registration is required. If you would like to participate, please register by sending an email to scf@stiftung-evz.de.
Do you have questions or suggestions about the funding program? Please contact scf@stiftung-evz.de.
