Education and training projects

The ‘Zukunft bilden’ Foundation, established by Andrea and Markus Eisel, supports projects and initiatives in the field of education and upbringing that are in line with the foundation’s core principles – promoting independent learning, the free development of one’s own potential, and mindful upbringing. Projects can receive funding of up to 5,000 euros per year for a period of up to three years.

Who and what is eligible for funding?

• Educational projects (e.g. out-of-school educational programmes) and educational institutions that focus on self-directed and self-organised learning
• Social, environmental and charitable projects (e.g. neighbourhood projects, cultural centres, leisure activities) that enable and support children to develop freely and autonomously and to participate in society
• Environmental, educational and social projects (e.g. independent farming and electricity/water supply, school and vocational training, projects for street children) in regions and countries affected by poverty, disadvantage and a lack of development prospects
• Studies and research projects relating to self-determined and self-organised education (e.g. academic research accompanying educational institutions, studies in developmental psychology, or investigations into educational concepts and methods)
• Educational and public awareness work to promote and disseminate the idea of self-determined education (e.g. further training for educational staff, information events for parents and interested parties).

Funding priorities

Funding is provided for projects, research initiatives and educational institutions that prioritise the independent activity and self-directed learning of children and young people, and that create the conditions enabling children and young people to learn and live in a sustainable and self-determined manner.

Specifically, these projects should, as a matter of principle, incorporate one or more of the following principles:

• Sustainable, self-determined or self-organised learning
• The principle of democracy and children’s rights
• Ethnic and religious diversity
• Equality for people of all gender identities
• Future prospects in disadvantaged regions
• The ecological future of the Earth

Applications for 2027 can be submitted from October 2026.

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