The Allianz Foundation’s 2024 Grants Program supports projects in arts, culture, European civil society, and the environment. These projects combat social divisions and ecological crises. The focus is on cooperative initiatives from Europe and the Mediterranean region that embody solidarity, community, and respect.
The Art of Kintsugi and Its Significance
Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery, celebrates breakage and repair as part of an object’s history. The Kintsugi philosophy sees beauty in repair and resilience, an approach that resonates with the Allianz Foundation’s values.
The Fragility and Resilience of Our World
The planet’s atmosphere and the intricate networks of relationships within societies and with the environment are both fragile and precious. These connections, based on trust, care, empathy, and respect, face challenges from various fronts, including authoritarianism, discrimination, and environmental exploitation. Despite these challenges, hope persists as networks withstand pressure and new alliances form.
The Foundation’s Vision and Goals
The Allianz Foundation aims to support actors in European civil society, arts, culture, and the environment to build resilient structures and fight for just futures. The goal is to strengthen what appears fragile, proving its potential to be surprisingly sturdy.
The Call for Applications
The Foundation seeks applications that:
- Involve at least two equal partners, focusing on bridge-building and cooperation.
- Adopt a systemic view, seeking solutions with significant impact.
- Develop sustainable visions beyond the project’s timeline.
- Transcend national borders while having strong local roots.
- Use natural resources economically and pursue sustainable strategies.
Funding and Support
Offerings include:
- Grants between €80,000 and €225,000 for up to 24 months.
- Up to 20% of the total project amount for administrative costs.
- Integration into the Allianz Foundation’s networks and activities.
Focus Areas and Impact
The Grants Program concentrates on three areas:
Climate & Environment
Seeking projects that:
- Develop sustainable land use and ecosystem strategies.
- Address the disturbed relationship between humans and nature.
- Balance human needs with climate justice.
Arts & Culture
Looking for projects that:
- Utilize the arts for community building and public engagement.
- Combat social fragmentation and discrimination.
- Illustrate the urgency of the climate crisis through artistic expression.
European Civil Society
Focusing on projects that:
- Strengthen civil society spaces across Europe and the Mediterranean.
- Support independent media and journalism.
- Enhance political representation and participation in post-migrant societies.
Inspiration for the title and claim of this call comes from the “Fixing What’s Broken” project by the Academy in Exile.
