Federal program "Live Democracy!": Project funding within the "Partnership for Democracy" Mainz
The state capital of Mainz has already been participating in the federal "Live Democracy!" program as a "Partnership for Democracy" for several years and will once again receive funding for 2026.
In its third funding period (2025 to 2032), the federal program is part of the strategy "Together for Democracy and Against Extremism – The Federal Government's Strategy for a Strong, Resilient Democracy and an Open and Diverse Society." In this spirit, the Partnerships for Democracy strengthen civil society and democratically active individuals and organizations that are committed to democracy in their local communities. At the same time, the state capital of Mainz supports projects within this structure that promote respectful coexistence, combat right-wing extremism, and promote a vibrant democracy. Within the Mainz Partnership for Democracy, funds are therefore available to support projects by external third parties, which are forwarded to external organizers upon request.
Grant applications for 2026 may be submitted immediately through Friday, June 26, 2026, to the Cultural Affairs Office of the State Capital of Mainz at kulturamtstadt.mainzde. Applications received after this deadline may still be considered on a case-by-case basis following mutual consultation.
Please note the following requirements for the application:
- Before submitting an application, it is mandatory to attend a consultation with the coordination and specialist office, where you will be informed about the conditions and possibilities for funding. The coordination and specialist office in the Mainz Partnership for Democracy is the House of Remembrance – for Democracy and Acceptance infohde-mainzde
- The topics for projects and events are generally open. However, each year the federal program selects funding topics that are based on acute needs and current events and are to be given priority. The annual topics for 2026 are:
- Preventing extremism online, e.g., on the topic of hate speech
- Prevention of anti-Semitism and Islamism
- Strengthening extremism prevention and democracy education at the local level
- Democracy education in the workplace and in companies
Ideally, the events and projects should be specifically aimed at children, teenagers, and young adults.
- The following procedure is specified in the federal program for submitting applications: After the mandatory consultation with the coordination and specialist office, all applications are reviewed by this office before being submitted to the lead agency (in Mainz, this is the Cultural Office of the State Capital Mainz). After that, all applications are submitted to the civil society alliance of the Mainz Partnership for Democracy for consultation and, in a final step, a final decision is made by the federal program.
- To apply, please download the application form below under "Further information."
- Cooperation with the House of Remembrance – for democracy and acceptance for projects and events is generally possible and is welcomed by the lead agency as a format.