Migrant organizations
Migrant organizations (MO) are groups or associations in which at least half of the members and the leadership have a family history from another country.
These organizations often work together with the Municipal Integration Centre (KI) in Cologne. For example, if they run an Intercultural Center or participate in the „Intercultural Cologne Conference“.
The work of these associations is very important. The people who work there have a lot of knowledge and many ideas. KI Köln wants these organizations to be heard not only on topics such as flight, migration and integration. They should also be able to express their opinions on other topics. They help to make Cologne a city for everyone.
MOs often have very specific problems. For example, it is difficult for them to talk to the city administration. They also often cannot find affordable premises for their work. However, this can be important if they want to receive funding from the city or state. For the years 2025 and 2026, there is money from the city of Cologne so that MOs can work better. The money, 600,000 euros per year, will be used for
- Advice for older people from different cultures
- Clubs that want to become more professional
- Voluntary work with refugees
- Projects for people with an international family history
The specialist unit also regularly informs the MOs about important current topics, for example how to apply for certain grants. On request, it also confirms to the MOs that they are known to the specialist unit. This is good for the funding applications.
Call for Proposals: Funding for Migrant Organizations in Cologne 2026
MO can be used until 06.09.2026 submit an application for funding.
To help support migrant organizations, the 2026 funding program consists of two pillars:
- Professional Development / Organizational Consulting
This funding priority is aimed at MO who are highly qualified in the areas of organizational development, project management, or financial management and who wish to train and advise other MO in these areas, as well as share their knowledge in the areas of public relations, networking to foster synergies, or self-care. - Volunteer Work with Refugees
This funding priority is aimed at local authorities that implement initiatives to promote volunteer work for refugees in order to improve their participation and support their settlement and orientation in Cologne.
Please review the criteria and the following documents:
- Call for Proposals
- Supplement in plain language
- Funding Guidelines
- Link to the application form Grant Program for Immigrant Organizations in Cologne
- Optional: Cost and Financing Plan as an attachment to the application form
Please send your application and any questions to mo-foerderung@stadt-koeln.de
The so-called „Houses of Resources“ (HoR) are very important for MO.
Clubs can get advice and support there. They can also borrow technical equipment there, such as projectors.
There has also been a HoR in Cologne since 2021.
More information can be found here: