Young volunteers deserve support

The city of Jena is calling on clubs, associations and initiatives to submit project ideas to strengthen volunteering. The focus of this call is particularly on measures to inspire young people to volunteer and to actively support generational change within existing structures.

Volunteering is a key pillar of social cohesion in Jena. Whether in sports clubs, cultural initiatives, social institutions or in environmental and disaster protection - voluntary work ensures a wide range of services and strengthens the community.

At the same time, the sector is facing considerable challenges: Many organizations report an increasing average age of their active members. There is a lack of young talent or less long-term commitment. Time flexibility, training, studies and mobility make continuous commitment difficult. Traditional association structures often no longer meet the needs of young people. Without targeted handovers, there is also a risk of valuable experience being lost when long-serving volunteers leave.

Kathleen Lützkendorf, Head of Department for Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate, comments: "Promoting young involvement is important because it strengthens young people's sense of responsibility and social skills at an early age and gives them the opportunity to play an active role in shaping society. At the same time, it secures the future of many clubs and activities that rely on voluntary work. That is why we are calling on clubs, associations and initiatives to submit innovative project ideas for strengthening young volunteering and shaping a successful generational change within organizations. Thank you for your participation!"

The aim of the call for projects is to promote innovative and sustainable approaches that:

• Attract young people to volunteering and involve them in the long term,

• create structures for a successful generational change,

• make existing organizations fit for the future and

• test new, flexible forms of volunteering.

Please submit a brief concept (maximum one A4 page) with the following information:

• Name and address of the applicant working in the community

• Telephone and e-mail address

• Bank details (account holder, bank, IBAN, BIC)

• Project name

• Cost plan in euros

Please send the signed application by post to the following address:

Daniel Meier
Department of Social Affairs, Health, Immigration and Climate
Cross-sectional tasks team
Lutherplatz 3
07743 Jena

The application deadline is 29.05.2026.

A total of up to 5000 euros in funding will be awarded. These can be granted for one or more applications. The decision is made by the City of Jena's Volunteer Advisory Board. Feedback on the award is expected by the end of August, subject to receipt of the grant notification from the state.

Important note: Please note the City of Jena's guidelines for awarding grants from the Thuringian Volunteer Foundation for the promotion of non-profit voluntary work as well as the Thuringian Volunteer Foundation's award principles.