Volunteering: District highlights 2,000 x 1,000 Euro funding program In 2026, projects focusing on digitalization or the use of AI will be supported

Oberbergischer Kreis. The district is once again participating in the state program “2,000 x 1,000 euros for engagement“. Under this year’s funding theme “Digital into the Future – engaged with AI and more,” projects related to digitalization or the use of AI in voluntary engagement are being funded across the state. Applications for the funding period 2026 can be submitted from March 2 to November 1, 2026. Since 2021, the Oberbergischer Kreis has annually supported 29 initiatives aimed at strengthening civic engagement, with each project receiving 1,000 euros based on an annually changing focus theme. The allocation of funding is determined by the population size (200,000 to 300,000 residents) and amounts to 29,000 euros for the Oberbergischer Kreis. Financial support is provided to measures that align with the annual focus theme and stand out for their civic engagement. This year, such projects may include those advancing digitalization and the use of AI in voluntary work, such as transitioning to digital record-keeping within an organization, developing a website for an initiative, or initiating organizational and association development through AI.
 Information about the funding program and application process can be found at www.engagiert-in-nrw.de.

Last year, 29 initiatives in the Oberbergischer Kreis were approved under the theme "Engaged in the Future - Promoting Young Volunteering" (e.g.):

• DLRG Lindlar: Establishing and qualifying youth work;
• Support Association of the Niederseßmar Fire Department: Activities to recruit new young members;
• FV Wiehl 2000 e. V.: Team-building workshops;  
• Wipperfürth Air Sports Club: Open day for recruiting young members;
• Freckhausen Village Association e. V.;
• Trip to the Lindlar Open-Air Museum as recognition for the engagement of the children’s parliament of the village association.

Information and Application

Applications can be submitted via the portal www.engagementfoerderung.nrw from March 2, 2026, to November 1, 2026.
In the Oberbergischer Kreis, Christine Bray, Specialist for Civic Engagement and Volunteering, is available as a contact person via email at christine.bray@obk.de or by phone at 02261 88-1271.
Free webinars will be offered regularly starting March 3, 2026, at www.engagiert-in-nrw.de.