The Czech-German Future Fund supports joint projects between Czech and German partners, with the aim of strengthening good neighbourly relations, mutual understanding, and cooperation. The fund finances a wide range of activities – cultural and educational initiatives, exchanges, expert cooperation or community projects. This option would be great for Czech and German FORTE CULTURA members, possibly supporting for example the Elbe fortress cluster.

Funding Rules

• Calls are open 4 times a year – applications for standard support can be submitted at the end of each quarter.
• Average sum circa: 5 000 EUR
• The funding works on a co-financing basis – the fund covers up to 50% of eligible project costs. Applicants must secure the remaining 50% from other sources (own funds, other grants, sponsors, etc.).
• For certain special calls or the annual Theme of the Year, support may reach up to 70%.
  • For 2026, the Theme of the Year is “Generation of Our Century”, focusing on young people and their role in a rapidly changing world. Projects submitted under this theme may receive increased funding of up to 70%.
• Partners can be schools, municipalities, NGOs, cultural institutions, associations, museums, universities, etc.
• You can involve more partners, but the minimum is two (one Czech + one German).

Theme of the Year 2026

Les annual theme of the Czech-German Fund for the Future for 2026 is “The Generation of Our Century.” It focuses on young people in the Czech Republic and Germany and on how they experience, shape, and imagine the present and the future. The theme invites reflection on what defines today’s generation in a rapidly changing world marked by technological development, social transformation, climate challenges, and geopolitical uncertainty.

Projects under this theme are encouraged to explore the perspectives, values, hopes, and concerns of young people, to foster dialogue between Czech and German participants, and to strengthen mutual understanding across borders and generations. Initiatives that meaningfully address this theme may be eligible for an increased level of funding compared to standard projects.

What Can Be Funded?

The Future Fund finances a broad spectrum of Czech-German activities, including:

✅ Education and youth exchanges – cooperation between schools, student exchanges, training stays, and study visits.
✅ Culture & publications – books, translations, exhibitions, cultural events.
✅ Dialogue and expert cooperation – conferences, seminars, workshops, social science collaborations.
✅ Partnerships between municipalities and associations – community projects and local cooperation.
✅ Social projects & minority support – activities with societal impact or focused on social inclusion.
✅ Heritage restoration – preservation and restoration of shared cultural monuments (special call once per year).

More info HERE: https://www.zukunftsfonds.cz/