Volunteering for the benefit of nature and society is being promoted

State provides funding of 45,995 eurosto four Jena-based organisations

Whether it be nature conservation, environmental education, landscape management or community activities – voluntary work is a key building block for a vibrant and sustainable society. Four Jena-based organisations are receiving financial support for their work as part of Thuringia’s ‘Aktiv vor Ort’ funding programme.

Representatives from the Thuringian State Chancellery, the City of Jena and the participating organisations gathered at the Forest Laboratory of the German Forest Conservation Association (SDW) for the cheque presentation. The Forest Laboratory is situated on the grounds of the ‘forum natura’nature discovery centre , right in the heart of Jena’s city forest. Guntram Wothly, the Thuringian State Chancellery’s volunteer coordinator, praised the unifying power of volunteering across generations and between urban and rural areas. Through the ‘Aktiv vor Ort’ funding programme, the state provides targeted support for this commitment. Across Thuringia, a total of 1,008 projects received 8.7 million euros in funding in 2026.

In Jena, four organisations are benefiting from this support: the Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald (SDW) is receiving 11,835 euros for its Thuringia-wide work in forest education and youth development, as well as for tree-planting campaigns. The Jena branch of NABU is receiving 5,580 euros to support its wide-ranging nature conservation work. This includes, amongst other things, wild bird rescue, insect protection and numerous excursions. The Berggemeinschaft Landgrafen e. V. is receiving 20,480 euros for insect-friendly lighting along the path on the Landgrafenberg. The ProSeniores e. V. hiking and sports club is receiving 8,100 euros to further develop its programmes for community activities and inclusion amongst older people.

These examples demonstrate the wide-ranging impact of voluntary work: it protects nature and the environment, fosters social interaction and strengthens social cohesion. Johannes Schleußner also expressed his gratitude, on behalf of the City of Jena and the Lord Mayor, to all those involved for their valuable and by no means self-evident commitment.

Übergabe Ehrenamtsförderung 2026 im forum natura