Call for Applications: Maghreb Special Fund (Germany and France)

Deadline: 01-Nov-2026

The Maghreb Special Fund supports projects that promote democracy, diversity, memory debates, environmental protection and vocational development among young people in Germany and France. The fund is an initiative of the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO) and is designed to strengthen cross-border collaboration and youth engagement. It provides opportunities for young people to participate in projects addressing important social, political and environmental issues while encouraging inclusive and accessible mobility for people who have not previously taken part in international youth programmes. Projects must address at least one of the fund’s priority themes and follow a specific three-phase exchange structure involving both Germany and France. Purpose of the Maghreb Special Fund The programme aims to encourage young people to engage with important contemporary issues while developing cross-border connections between Germany and France.

The fund supports projects that:

- Promote democracy and youth participation. - Combat racism and promote diversity. - Encourage discussions about memory and cultural heritage. - Mobilize young people for environmental protection and climate action. - Support vocational training. - Encourage innovation and social entrepreneurship. - Create accessible and inclusive mobility opportunities. - Strengthen collaboration between young people and youth organisations across Germany and France. The programme places particular emphasis on reaching young people who have not previously participated in such international mobility experiences.

About the Franco-German Youth Office

The Maghreb Special Fund is an initiative of the Franco-German Youth Office (FGYO). Through the programme, the FGYO supports cross-border youth engagement and collaboration between Germany and France. The fund provides a framework for young people and youth organisations to work together on social, political, environmental and professional development issues. Priority Themes Every project must address at least one of the programme’s priority themes. Democracy and Youth Participation Projects can encourage young people to understand democratic processes and participate actively in civic life. Activities may focus on youth participation, democratic engagement and opportunities for young people to contribute to discussions about their communities and societies. Combating Racism and Promoting Diversity The programme supports initiatives addressing racism and promoting diversity. Projects can create opportunities for young people to discuss discrimination, inclusion and diversity while developing cross-cultural understanding. Memory and Cultural Heritage Projects can encourage debates surrounding memory and cultural heritage. This theme can provide opportunities for participants to explore historical experiences, cultural identities and different perspectives on shared or contested memories. Environmental Protection and Climate Action The fund encourages young people to become involved in environmental protection and climate action. Projects may bring participants together to discuss environmental challenges and develop approaches that encourage youth engagement in climate-related issues. Vocational Training, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship The programme also supports professional and entrepreneurial development.

Projects can address:

- Vocational training. - Innovation. - Social entrepreneurship. - Professional skills. - New approaches to community and social challenges. Three-Phase Project Structure A distinctive requirement of the Maghreb Special Fund is that each project must include three phases of interaction.

There must be:

- One meeting phase in one country. - A second meeting phase in the other country. - A third meeting phase completing the exchange cycle. The same group of participants must commit to participating in the entire three-phase cycle. This structure is intended to encourage sustained interaction rather than a single short exchange. Germany-France Cross-Border Cooperation The programme is based on interaction between Germany and France. Each phase takes place in one of the two countries, creating a cycle of cross-border meetings and collaboration. Applicants should therefore develop projects that provide meaningful opportunities for participants to learn from each other and work together throughout the full project cycle. Funding Available The subsidy can provide up to €25,000 per meeting phase, approximately equivalent to $27,000. The final level of funding depends on factors including: - Project duration. - Number of participants. - Individual meeting phases. - Overall project structure. Applicants should therefore prepare a realistic budget that reflects the size and duration of each phase. Project Duration Projects must take place over a period of one to three years. This allows the three meeting phases to be developed as a longer-term exchange programme rather than requiring all activities to occur within a single year. Duration of Each Meeting Phase Each individual meeting phase must last between: 4 and 21 nights. Applicants should ensure that each phase falls within this required duration range. 2027 Application Requirement Applications must be submitted for each meeting phase. The applications are valid only for those parts of the project cycle that take place within fiscal year 2027. Applicants planning a multi-year project should therefore consider the timing of each phase carefully and ensure that the relevant application requirements are met for the appropriate fiscal year. Who Can Participate? The programme has a broad youth focus.

The target audience includes:

- Children. - Students. - Young people in apprenticeships. - Young people in higher education. - Job seekers. - Young people in the workforce. - People involved with youth organisations and youth work. The programme is designed to encourage participation across different education