Under the label “beffekt!”, the state of Baden-Württemberg is making one million euros available annually for development projects for the first time.
“We want to noticeably increase the state’s funding for civil society projects and significantly increase the great voluntary commitment in this area,” said State Minister Theresa Schopper, who is also chairwoman of the SEZ Board of Trustees.
“By increasing from 385.000 euros to one million euros per year in 2018 and 2019, we can make Baden-Württemberg’s relationships with our neighbors in Africa visible, consolidate and deepen them.” The increase is also possible through the support of the government factions in the become budget consultations.
For many years, the state of Baden-Württemberg has been supporting civil society organizations in financing development projects worldwide. Twice a year, the Baden-Württemberg Development Cooperation Foundation (SEZ) advertises funding for domestic and international project work for this purpose. In addition, 2018 euros will be made available specifically for projects in the partner country Burundi in East Africa for 2019 and 250.000. The Baden-Württemberg Development Cooperation Foundation (SEZ) coordinates the tenders, advises applicants and ensures quality standards. An independent expert committee appointed by State Secretary Schopper examines the project applications and selects the project applications to be funded.
“The state’s additional funding for ‘works!' are an upgrade of development cooperation in the country. “They give us the opportunity to support significantly more initiatives at home and abroad than is currently the case,” said Philipp Keil, Managing Director of the SEZ. “We want to use these funds wherever possible for innovative partnership-based social projects and exemplary lighthouse projects. The new funding line for projects in and related to the partner country of the state of Baden-Württemberg, Burundi, also contributes to strengthening and perpetuating the state partnership.” Another goal is to network the supported actors in the country and to make the commitment in the country more visible close. Lighthouse projects from each funding year will also be presented to the general public at an event in the future.
Further information can be found on the Topic pages work!.
