Promotion of projects critical of racism and non-urban anti-discrimination offices
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 deadline for funding in 2026 has already passed. No new applications can currently be submitted.
The approval of the funding requires the decision of the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration.
Here you will find the application documents and the template for the proof of use:
Application form_status 10.2025 (Please note that you may have to offer an awareness protection concept in your application).
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.

