Funding

A strong civil fleet which stands against letting people die in the Mediterranean

We are committed to ensuring that no one has to die crossing Europe’s sea borders and that the European Union finally enables safe escape routes and freedom of movement for all people. We want to encourage fellow activists to do the same. That is why, in line with our goals, we pass on funds to other organisations and initiatives that are committed to the long-term and sustainable strengthening of the civilian fleet.

Announcement: Funding phase 2025

We are currently preparing this year’s funding phase. Applications can be submitted from July 1st to August 31st 2025 inclusive. We plan to make a decision on the award in autumn 2025.

Further details regarding the call for proposals, including funding criteria, the budget amount, and application procedures, will be published here on June 30th.

As in the previous year, the most important formal requirement for the application is proof of non-profit status. Depending on where the organizations are based, there are different requirements:

Organizations based in Germany:

  • Option 1: A notice of exemption dated no more than five years ago.
  • Option 2: A notice confirming compliance with the statutory requirements in accordance with Section 60a (1) of the German Tax Code (AO), dated no more than three years ago. This notice is only valid as proof if the organization has not previously been granted a notice of exemption.

Organizations in other EU countries:

  • Here we require proof of non-profit status from the respective national tax authority.

Organizations based in a country outside the European Union:

  • We require confirmation that the activity is considered non-profit under German law in accordance with § 52 of the German Tax Code (Abgabenordnung). Please contact funding@sea-watch.org and we will send you a corresponding template.