UK German connection challenge fund

The UK-German Connection Challenge Fund is a brand new fund targeted both at curricular and extra-curricular projects - large and small and is inviting applications for joint projects.

This fund is designed to encourage young people to:

• Pick a topic or subject of their choice and explore it in an international context
• Take a fresh look at cross- or extra-curricular project work
• Take an active role in a practical, ‘hands-on’ team venture
• Work together towards a concrete outcome, product or event of their choice

Grants provided through the UK-German Challenge Fund cover project resources, joint activities and reciprocal partner visits. Joint projects can cover a wide range of themes including:

• Science and technology - Business and enterprise
• Citizenship
• Energy and the environment
• Multimedia and ICT
• Culture and the arts
• Vocational skills
• Cross-curricular themes

They can also cover a wide range of activities include joint research work, Development of new ideas, scientific explorations, debating workshops, workplace-related activities, cultural events, exhibitions and productions, community projects, creation of webpages or films and blogging, reporting or song-writing

Eligibility
Before submitting an application, the applicant institution must have established contact and agreed collaboration with a partner or partners in Germany. Eligible groups include:

• Schools and youth groups in the UK and Germany
• Schools: primary and secondary schools, FE colleges
• Youth groups involving young people up to the age of 25 (please note: students enrolled at a Higher Education institution are not eligible)
• Applications from clusters of schools or youth groups or cross-sector clusters are also welcome
• There must be a reciprocal visit involving at least 5 young people from each institution

Criteria
Grants will only be awarded regarding a number of criteria being satisfied. Essential elements include:

• Real collaborative work between the young people from both countries, including project work and other joint activities
• The activity focuses on thematic project work, leading to concrete outcomes and results
• Significant involvement of young people in the conception, implementation and dissemination of the project;

Funding
The Challenge Fund provides grants of normally 50% towards the overall costs; in exceptional circumstances, the grant can cover up to a maximum of 75% of the total costs. Grants are available for both large and small projects and the amount can be to anything up to, but will not exceed £5,000. The grant covers support for all participating groups from both countries. Only one institution needs to apply on behalf of the whole project, with participating institutions providing supporting statements.

Closing dates: 31 January and 31 May 2008.

How to apply
Teachers, youth leaders or project co-ordinators apply on behalf of their institution and applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the start of the project.

For more details on the programme and application forms please visit the following link:
http://www.ukgermanconnection.org/microsites/?location_id=216

For more details on the fund please contact the programme administrator

Alison Kliché
UK-German School and Youth Links Officer,
UK-German Connection Challenge Fund
34 Belgrave Square
London
SW1X 8QB

Tel : 020 7824 1572
Email : alison.kliche@ukgermanconnection.org