The Bundeszentrale für Kinder- und Jugendmedienschutz (BzKJ; Federal Centre for Child and Youth Media Protection) is launching its third funding programme for innovative digital projects designed with children in mind. Submissions are open until the end of February.
As in previous years, the BzKJ has a budget of €200,000 available for the funding programme. Measures that actively involve children and young people are particularly eligible for funding, according to the BzKJ. This year, the focus of the funding is on child-friendly offerings that support interaction, participation and democratic skills and creatively address the opportunities and challenges of AI.
The BzKJ started the submission phase for projects this week. It will run until 27 February 2026. All legal entities under public and private law as well as sole proprietorships are eligible to apply for funding. This means that the programme is open to foundations, associations, companies and clubs. A total of up to six projects can be funded.
“Digital offerings are increasingly shaping the experiences, behaviour and opinions of young people, often invisibly but with a major impact. This makes it all the more important for children and young people to learn at an early age and in an age-appropriate environment to understand, classify and use digital offerings in a self-determined manner. With the 2026 funding programme, the BzKJ is strengthening measures that support children and promote age-appropriate media experiences," says Sebastian Gutknecht, Director of the BzKJ.
