+APPLICATION DEADLINE EXPIRED+Through its Fellows Program, the Allianz Foundation supports artists, actors in civil society, scholars, journalists, as well as human rights and environmental activists who take risks for a world worth living in.
© William Andrew
Through its Fellows Program, the Allianz Foundation supports artists, actors in civil society, scholars, journalists, as well as human rights and environmental activists who take risks for a world worth living in. They leave behind traditional ways of thinking and overcome the boundaries of established disciplines to try out new paths towards a more sustainable, equitable future.
The various crises of our times are closely connected. Our societies need sustainable proposals for change and new free spaces for thought to confront these crises. The Allianz Foundation Fellows Program wants to create a space for people to have the opportunity to reflect on the societal status quo, testing viable ideas. These people are paving the way for an urgently necessary transformation of our lifestyles, our ways of working and production as well as our societal interaction. This can take place in the context of artistic creation, initiatives in civil society, journalistic activity or scholarly work – or at the intersection of these areas.
What should our shared future look like? How can we think critically, boldly, and creatively about social disparities and their causes? How can we develop visions for a fair, ecologically solid and economically sustainable future? How can we confront the destruction and unchecked exploitation of our environment, the rise of authoritarian regimes, social inequality and intersectional discrimination? How can we bridge the gap between knowledge and action with reflection and daring practices, and what role do values such as solidarity, caring and collaboration play?
The Allianz Foundation Fellows Program pursues the approach that supporting committed individuals is important for providing them the freedom and resources to continue and develop their ideas and work. The program is however directed towards people who reflect on power structures or the conventional logic of “leadership”, addressing the associated responsibility critically and (de-)constructively. Motivated by curiosity, sincerity, and (self-)reflection, they are open to (interdisciplinary) collaboration, consider themselves part of communities or social movements, and locate their work self-critically within a larger societal structure.
In the course of the Fellowship, they develop artworks, platforms, event formats, prototypes, new narratives and publications, or social initiatives, and much more. They will form a Europe-wide network that will last and grow beyond individual Fellowships.
What the Fellowship includes:
Who can apply?
The Fellowship is aimed at people who critically reflect on the societal status quo with a variety of perspectives and test viable ideas to reconceive what is taken for granted in society.
They work in the following areas:
Applications are accepted from artists, actors in civil society, scholars, journalists, human rights and environmental activists who are at least 18 years of age and are based primarily in Europe and the Mediterranean region.
The Fellowship is not conceived as a funding for studies, master, doctoral or habilitation projects. We do not support traditional research projects or the production of works of art unrelated to the thematic focus of the foundation.
Feel free to contact us at Fellows [at] allianzfoundation.org if you are unsure of whether you fit our profile.
What is the schedule for the Fellowship?
The application deadline for the Allianz Foundation Fellows Program is March 15, 2023, 11:59 p.m. CET.
Selected candidates will be notified in July 2023. All other applicants will be contacted via email by mid-August.
Funding will be awarded for ten months. The Fellowship will ideally begin sometime between September (at earliest) and November 2023. Starting at a later date may be possible for individual situations after consulting with the Foundation.
Fellows will be invited to a kick-off meeting in the fall of 2023.
How many Fellows will there be?
There will be 12 Fellows who each receive funding for ten months.
What can I expect from the Fellowship?
You will receive a grant of €25,000*, which is divided into monthly installments of €2,500 over the course of ten months. This grant is intended to support you while you concentrate on your project.
You will be given access to an additional budget for fellowship-related expenses like mentoring, training, travel expenses. You can receive community flash grants for supporting an individual or group in your communities, collectives, or organizations.
As a Fellow, you will become part of the Allianz Foundation network, a devoted community of artists, actors from civil society, scholars, journalists, human rights and environmental activists in Europe and the Mediterranean. You will benefit from other Foundation programs including the Allianz Foundation Hubs and networking events. Through communication activities, we will also help you gain visibility for your ideas and projects.
The Fellowship takes the approach of being a flexible instrument to meet the needs of Fellows. We trust that you will use the Fellowship in a responsible and self-determined manner. The accompanying measures are agreed upon individually in consultation with the Allianz Foundation team. They offer Fellows the time and resources to not only focus on their projects in the context of their social engagement, scholarly or artistic work, but also further their education and to develop themselves in exchange with other Fellows.
*The following applies for grant holders who are required to pay taxes in Germany: The Foundation and the Fellowship conditions fulfill the requirements according to § 3 No. 44 EstG [German Income Tax Act], meaning the Fellowship can remain tax-free for the fellow, provided that he/she has German tax residency status and his/her personal tax circumstances do not disallow. The Fellow is responsible for determining his/her tax obligations.
Can I apply with an idea or project that already exists?
We encourage applications with ideas or projects that are new or are already in progress. In your application, please explain how the Fellowship will help you in your current personal situation, your individual career or your specific project.
How can I apply?
You can submit an application by March 15, 2023, 11:59 p.m. CET with the following documents:
We ask you to refer to the following aspects in your cover letter:
Please upload the application materials in two separate PDF files (cover letter and CV in the first file, the work samples or portfolio in a second file) using the application form here.
Please note that we cannot accept applications received after the deadline. If you have any problems with the application form or need assistance, please write to fellows [at] allianzfoundation.org.
We value a mindful use of your resources. If you have suggestions on how we can improve and simplify the process in the future, we welcome sending your feedback to fellows [at] allianzfoundation.org.
Can I apply anonymously?
If using your true name in the Allianz Foundation Fellows Program poses a risk to you, we can refrain from communicating publicly about an individual Fellow. You do need to disclose your information to the Foundation, which would keep it strictly confidential.
In what languages can I apply?
We ask you to submit your application in English or in German. You may use software to translate your application. We realize that English or German might not be your first language – for us, content is what matters when reviewing applications.
If you have problems translating your application, please contact us at fellows [at] allianzfoundation.org and we will try to find a solution.
How are the Fellows selected?
The Allianz Foundation team and a jury of experts select the Fellows using a multi-stage process; the final decision is made by the Board of Trustees.
The decision is based on criteria like the quality and originality of the projects, the correlation with the Foundation’s strategic goals, the relevance and urgency as well as the feasibility of the project, the inclusion of and/or collaboration with (underrepresented) communities, the reflection of social and structural inequalities, the considerations of leadership and the applicant’s own position (of power) and associated responsibility (etc.). Additionally, consideration is given to whether the project credibly and convincingly fits into the Fellow’s profile and career path.
Can I receive feedback on my application?
Unfortunately we are unable to provide feedback on the contents of individual applications.
Do I have to pay taxes on the Fellowship?
The Fellowship amounts are gross sums. Fellowship recipients are responsible for paying all applicable taxes, regardless of whether incurred in their country of origin, the country in which the Fellowship takes place, or in another country.
The following applies for grant holders who are required to pay taxes in Germany: The Foundation and the Fellowship conditions fulfill the requirements according to § 3 No. 44 EstG [German Income Tax Act], meaning the Fellowship can remain tax-free for the fellow, provided that he/she has German tax residency status and his/her personal tax circumstances do not disallow. The Fellow is responsible for determining his/her tax obligations.
