Antiracism

Promotion of projects critical of racism to strengthen democracy and acceptance

Every year, the City of Cologne awards different amounts of funding for so-called "anti-racism training" and thus financially supports both existing and new projects that have an intercultural approach and/or a socio-spatial focus.

The target group of the funding program are natural and legal persons and schools that have set themselves the task of working critically against racism and integration and anti-discrimination work and are networked with various social actors in Cologne.

Further information can be found on the "Guideline for the Promotion of Projects Critical of Racism to Strengthen Democracy and Acceptance"..

The application for funding in 2026 can be submitted until November 20, 2025. 

Projects can be applied for that are carried out within the period from February 8 to December 31, 2026.
The approval of the funding requires a resolution by the Integration Council.

Here you will find the application documents:

Application form_status 10.2025   (Please note that you may have to offer an awareness protection concept in your application).

Data protection information

Where-used list template

Financial plan template

Promotion of non-municipal anti-discrimination offices

People who are affected by racial discrimination in Cologne can turn to an anti-discrimination office for advice and support. There, trained counselors offer relief through confidential discussions about the discrimination experienced. Together with those affected, they look for suitable ways to defend themselves against discrimination and overcome experiences of discrimination.

They agree specific further steps with the person seeking advice with the aim of eliminating the causes and consequences of the disadvantage. Counseling is free of charge and anonymous if desired.

The City of Cologne has been funding part of the personnel costs of the following Cologne anti-discrimination offices since 2001:

• Anti-discrimination office of the Caritas Association for the City of Cologne e. V.
• AntiDiscrimination Office Cologne (ADB) of the association Öffentlichkeit gegen Gewalt e. V.

The City of Cologne is a member of the "European Coalition of Cities against Racism". By joining, the cities commit to implementing the ten-point action plan against racism. In Cologne, there is the Forum against Racism and Discrimination, an association of various organizations in Cologne that are also dedicated to the topic of discrimination. They do this in various ways within the framework of their structures and tasks, including jointly organizing international days against racism.

Ten-point action plan against racism

Forum against racism and discrimination