Two ways
To get involved

Your project can be funded if it

• takes place during the anniversary year, i.e., it begins and ends during this period
• offers a low-threshold opportunity for a broad audience
• contributes to strengthening citizens’ identification with the city of Paderborn
• has a thematic connection to the city’s anniversary, and
• is carried out entirely in Paderborn

The jury will particularly like your project if

• it deals with the identity of the city of Paderborn and its districts
• it has a connection to the history of the city of Paderborn and its districts
• it strengthens urban society
• it is sustainable
• it opens up new target groups
• it enables participation
• it reaches beyond the city limits
• it is financially feasible
• it includes a share of own contributions

Projects and measures that

• serve exclusively general association purposes and are predominantly aimed at association members only
• serve to generate profit and are therefore commercially oriented
• take place outside Paderborn
• require an investment that is not necessary for the implementation of the project

In addition, fees for you as the applicant, hospitality costs, accommodation costs, travel and transportation costs are not eligible for funding.

Associations, groups, initiatives, independent organizations, religious institutions, artist groups, and individuals who are based or reside in Paderborn are eligible to apply.

The funding is equal to the proven funding gap, up to a maximum of EUR 1,250. If input tax deduction is permitted, the eligible costs are reduced accordingly and the municipal subsidy is reduced.

If, for example, there is only a deficit of EUR 800 after completion of the project, only EUR 800 in funding will be paid out.

Applications must be submitted via a digital application form on the anniversary website www.paderborn1250.de/en/join-in.

• Your application must be received by May 31, 2026.
• Only applications that are completed in full and submitted with all the necessary attachments by the deadline will be evaluated by the jury.
• You must inform us of any conceptual changes or cancellations to your project.

All funding applications received will be reviewed and discussed by a panel of experts. The panel will decide which twelve projects will receive funding at its discretion. The decision will be made by simple majority.

The expert jury is composed of representatives from the following areas:

• Office for Public Relations and City Marketing
• Cultural Office
• Paderborn Tourist Association (Verkehrsverein Paderborn e.V.)
• Municipal departments

Approval will be given in the form of a written funding notification. If your project cannot be funded, you will also be notified in writing.

• No later than six months after completing your project, you must submit a verifiable statement of expenditure to us by email at rechnung-stadtjubilaeum@paderborn.de.
• The statement of expenditure must list and document all income and expenditure for the project in chronological order.
• The receipts must contain the information and attachments customary in business transactions; expenditure receipts must include, in particular, the payee, reason and date of payment, proof of payment and, in the case of items, the intended use.
• In addition, the receipts must contain a clear reference to the project.
• After the documents have been checked, the grant amount will be paid cashlessly into your specified account.

• Projects/events that receive funding must use the city anniversary logo and will be listed in the city anniversary event calendar on the website www.paderborn1250.de and in printed format. The logo is available for download on the website at www.paderborn1250.de/en/funding-guidelines.
• You are responsible for carrying out and accounting for your project. This includes, in particular, obtaining permits, covering incidental event costs (e.g., artists’ social security fund, GEMA), taking out the necessary insurance, and ensuring the safety of project visitors/participants.