Potsdam is looking for partners: Make the difference in the 2026 citizens' budget!

Potsdam is looking for partners: Make the difference in the 2026 citizens' budget!

Potsdam is facing an exciting challenge: In order to further expand the participation budget for 2026, local partners are needed! As stated in a recent communication from City Report According to the results, the city would like to work with six new cooperation partners in 2026 who will bring in and implement the creative ideas of the citizens. This initiative gives the people of Potsdam the opportunity to actively participate in shaping their living environment.

Interested partners, from those running meeting houses to district councils and community-oriented associations, must submit their applications by July 23, 2025 at the latest. In order to gain a deeper insight into the project, the city is hosting a digital information event on July 9, 2025, for which registration by email is mandatory.

What is the participation budget all about?

The concept of citizen budgets, which has been practiced in Potsdam since 2021, will be referred to as a participation budget or ideas budget from 2025. The aim is to actively involve citizens in the process in order to promote local projects - be they cultural, sporting or social initiatives. A total of 120,000 euros is available for the six budget partners, with a maximum of 20,000 euros per project being eligible for funding. This process strengthens citizen participation and makes an important contribution to direct democracy Wikipedia explained.

As part of the participation budget, the people of Potsdam can submit proposals, which are then voted on publicly to select the best ideas. The implementation of the projects must be completed by December 31, 2026, and particularly innovative approaches are required! According to the recommendations, a distribution of 18,000 euros is planned for the actual projects, while 2,000 euros are planned for organization and public relations.

How can those interested apply?

The application documents must contain detailed information, including the name of the institution, contact person, address and bank details. The selection of cooperation partners is carried out by a steering committee that attaches importance to criteria such as the organization of the idea budget and innovative methods.

The city of Potsdam calls on everyone interested to become part of this exciting commitment. If you would like to find out more about the participation budget, you can find all the necessary information online on the city's website potsdam.de.

Apply and bring a breath of fresh air into your district – Potsdam is counting on you!