Berghof Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Berghof Foundation centers grantmaking on development of peaceful responses and solutions to conflict-related challenges.
IP TAKE: Berghof’s grants for global security spans several “regions and societies, encompassing conflicts between and within states, whether new or entrenched.” That said, this funder also works “to address underlying social grievances which, if ignored, only deepen divisions and inflame tensions.” This funder takes a cross-sectional and collaborative approach to clearly defined giving strategies that seek to transform conflict through nonviolent peacekeeping. The foundation looks for partners and grantees that take a collaborative approach toward sustainable conflict transformation through knowledge sharing, capacity building and reflective learning.
While this funder predominately invests in efforts that support global security, the foundation’s definition of conflict is very broad and growing, so there are grants here for everything from refugee work to climate change - so long as your research or work focuses on the relationship to global security and peaceful resolutions.
While the foundation’s more traditional grantmaking has been on hold since 2016, the Berghof Foundation has a l”ong-standing history of funding research and practice projects of like-minded partners in the field of conflict transformation.” It is transparent and accepts contact, but does not appear to accept unsolicited applications at this time.
PROFILE: The Berghof Foundation, which was established during the height of the Cold War, draws on a “history of success in creating space for conflict transformation and peace.” Professor Georg Zundel founded the organization in 1971 with a mission “to create space for conflict transformation.” The Berghof Foundation is an independent, non-governmental and non-profit organisation that supports “people in conflict in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace through conflict transformation and peacebuilding.” The foundation has offices in several places around the world, including Berlin and Beirut.
The Berghof Foundation’s grantmaking approach recognizes that while conflict is inevitable, stemming “from the need for change in society,” it can be “resolved without violence.” Ultimately, Berghof sees itself as an interlocutor that facilitates “advice, techniques, and support that enable people to find their own paths away from violence.” This approach has identified several giving priorities for 2022-2025, which includes. Ultimately, the Berghof Foundation carries out its work through practice, learning and research.
Grants for Global Security
The Berghof Foundation’s grantmaking for global security intersects with a range of fields, or themes, such as security work centered on the destabilization of environments and centers of power through climate change; the role of women and gender in conflict; inclusive governance and accountability; the digital revolution; as well as engaging with protest movements to strengthen nonviolent peacekeeping strategies.
This funder’s grantmaking ultimately seeks to decenter conversations around conflict in order to find new ways of thinking through evolving issues. As a result of the inherently changing nature of conflict, the Berghof Foundation’s projects adjust to meet the needs of a world in conflict. These projects intersect with refugee movements and displaced persons, violence prevention, war economies, peace education, and journalism and free speech, as well as a growing list of other project topics. Given this vein of evolving conflict, interested grant seekers should check the foundation’s site often to new developments as conflicts occur in real-time.
Overall, Berghof intends to work with like-minded groups in an effort to develop peaceful responses and solutions to conflict-related challenges.
Important Grant Details:
Berghof does not apply geographic restrictions to its grantmaking, nor does it impose grant amount limits. Most grants fall in the €30,000 to €70,000 range, and all have a two-year limit. To learn more about the types of organizations supported by Berghof, browse through its Supported Projects web page.
The Berghof Foundation only accepts unsolicited grant applications and requests for funding when it issues calls for proposals. Calls are announced on its website. Grantseekers may also subscribe to the foundation’s newsletter for up-to-date information.
While the foundation has several peace offices, it is headquartered at Lindenstrasse 34, 10969, Berlin, Germany, and may be called at +49 (30) 8441 540.
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