In times of growing polarization and the need for nationwide austerity measures, civil society actors are coming under increasing pressure. With a new funding program and the new funding period of "Live Democracy!", the city of Leipzig wants to support local actors in the field of democratic education and social cohesion. Associations can submit a digital application for the 2025 funding year until July 31, 2025. Applications for micro and youth fund projects can be submitted until the funds are exhausted. Non-profit associations are eligible to apply. All details can be found in the funding principles at www.leipzig.de/demokratiefoerderung.
"Resolute action against attacks on democratic values means strengthening trust in institutions, promoting civic engagement and revitalizing democracy from the local level," says Vicki Felthaus, Mayor for Youth, Schools and Democracy.
When people and opinions are visibly drifting apart, when in times of active disinformation campaigns and dwindling trust in institutions, facts are increasingly only recognized if they fit into one's own world view, places of encounter, self-efficacy and education are all the more urgently needed. Political education plays a central role in this, because it is much more than imparting knowledge - it is a democratic competence: it strengthens the ability to make judgments. It promotes dialog. And it helps us to remain capable of acting in a complex world.
