Program Priorities

Commitment and Responsibility: Civil Society and the Third Sector

The third sector – or the so-called non-profit sector, which includes non-profit enterprises, initiatives, projects, associations, etc. – is being accorded an ever-increasing role in both Israeli and German society. The third sector is a significant part of civil society, both today and in the future. It offers a space for civic commitment and contributes to political participation as well as societal integration. It represents a sphere of activity that encompasses relevant societal topics. Furthermore, it creates opportunities for a practical exchange of experience as well as the formation of active partnerships and the development and the realization of common projects. The German-Israeli Future Forum recognizes here an important area for future bilateral cooperation.

Within this program priority, the buildup and implementation of a volunteer program for young Israelis in Germany will be funded. This project will be conducted by several Israeli and German organizations and gives young Israelis the chance over a longer period of time to gain experiences in civil society and to take part in everyday life in Germany. The objective of the program is, on the one hand, to support young Israelis in making a contribution to a social and political engagement in Germany and to the betterment of German-Israeli relations. On the other hand, international and intercultural competence on the individual level is encouraged. Participating organizations may also profit from a respective opening within this field.

Furthermore, an advanced vocational training for young professionals, working within the third sector is in preparation.

This program priority starts on January 1st, 2010.

The Past in the Future

An awareness of the past is the basis of German-Israeli relations. Its presence is felt in all German-Israeli points of contact. The Shoah and the experience of National Socialism still have an imprint on and shape both societies, albeit in different ways. How the future of German-Israeli relations will look is influenced by a responsible examination of history, its presence, how it is conveyed and by public debate in both countries. Apart from these identity determining experiences, in both countries migratory movements, demographic developments and contemporary discourses address additional historical experiences and manifold recollections, often situated uncomfortably between immigration biographies and the history of the society's majority.

Aware of the importance for the future outlook of German-Israeli relations, the Foundation promotes projects that address and discuss these controversies within the public debate about the place of history in the present and in the future. Within the framework of this program priority, research is intended on the historical discourses within different segments of the population in both countries. A German-Israeli conference will be held in the second half of 2010. On the basis of this research, this conference will provide an opportunity to present and discuss project ideas. Subsequently, selected or during the meeting jointly developed projects will be funded within a time frame of up to two years.

First project ideas and proposals can now be submitted. Eligible for funding are bilateral projects as well as the development of networks of high potential young people for a professional exchange and qualification in the field of remembrance and commemoration work.

This program priority starts on January 1st, 2010.

Language Acquisition

The German-Israeli Future Forum is confident that the acquisition of language is an important element of the future German-Israeli relationship. Therefore, the Foundation sponsors a special program ‘language courses’ for participants in German-Israeli projects and cooperations. Eligible for funding are participants of projects funded by our Foundation and, depending on volume of applications, also members of other German-Israeli projects. Only costs of certified language courses can be funded. Eligible for application are participants of German-Israeli cooperation projects, of non-profit or civil society’s organizations or public institutions. Usually, funds recipients a required to pay an adequate part of the course fees on their own.

This program priority will be supported by the Goethe Institute Tel Aviv and starts on January 1st, 2010.

Individual funding

Individual grants that lie outside our program priority criteria can be funded up to a certain and limited amount. These applications must, however, prove that they merit support according to the criteria of eligibility (bilateral relations, building of networks and future orientation).

Establishing new contacts and strengthening existing networks is a key goal of the Foundation’s work. For that purpose, the developing process from a project idea to an overall concept for a project by Israeli and German partners can be supported. The Foundation will review the support for a possible later implementation of those concepts; however, funding is not guaranteed.