Rudolf Augstein Stiftung supports three tightly linked areas that reflect Rudolf Augstein’s legacy: critical, independent journalism; better life chances for disadvantaged children and young people; and artistic experimentation. Its funding is especially strong in Germany, with a visible emphasis on East Germany, youth with migration or flight backgrounds, and projects that build capacity, participation, and long-term pathways rather than one-off services. In journalism, it backs investigative work, newsroom innovation, cross-border collaboration, and training for emerging talent; in the arts, it favors experimental and interdisciplinary projects, mentorship, and residencies.
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Mix of open-call project grants and invitation-based program support. Some programs accept applications continuously or with no fixed deadline, while others run on annual cycles; awards include small-to-midsize project funding and longer-term stipends (e.g., up to €1,000 per month for 24 months). Several programs are not open to unsolicited proposals and require applicants to apply through specific program channels.
Check each program carefully, because access differs: some accept rolling applications, while others are invite-only or have annual deadlines. For journalism and social projects, apply through the relevant program pages rather than sending general inquiries; for youth and arts programs, align proposals closely with participation, mentoring, experimentation, or infrastructure-building goals and emphasize the German or East German context when relevant.
Current and upcoming funding from Rudolf Augstein Stiftung that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Supports institutions and projects in journalism; young journalists receive scholarships. The foundation says applications can be submitted at any time in any of its three funding areas, with fixed submission deadlines for art projects.
Deadline: No deadlines for project funding; scholarship applications follow separate dates.
Who can apply: Nonprofit initiatives primarily in Germany that support disadvantaged children and young people; projects should fit the themes of school-to-work transition or integration, be sustainable/transferable, and involve affected groups in decision-making.
Deadline: No submission deadlines.
Who can apply: Nonprofit initiatives, primarily in Germany, that strengthen the prospects and self-help capacity of disadvantaged children and young people; projects should be participatory and sustainable.
Deadline: No submission deadlines.
Who can apply: Projects and initiatives in journalism with strong originality, structural impact potential, sustainable method or business model, and capable applicants. The foundation does not fund the production of journalistic content, research stipends, projects outside Europe, or media literacy education.
Deadline: No application deadline; submit anytime.
Who can apply: Young people with migration or flight backgrounds; projects should be developed by and for young people. Check the Jugendstil project site for detailed criteria.
Deadline: Applications are accepted continuously; each round closes on the third Thursday of the month. The next listed deadline is 2026-05-21.
Who can apply: Applicants should fit the funder's journalism priorities; projects outside Europe are not funded. The foundation requests a short advisory call before application.
Deadline: No submission deadlines; applications may be submitted at any time after the consultation.
Who can apply: Applicants must be nonprofit actors with projects primarily in Germany serving disadvantaged children and young people. Priority is given to sustainable, transferable, participatory projects with long-term support, especially those at the school-to-work transition or those providing integrated support for youth with refugee or migration backgrounds.
Deadline: No submission deadlines for social project funding.
Who can apply: Gemeinwohlorientierte Medienorganisationen in the DACH region; described as part of the science and data journalism funding line.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.