What’s it all about?
Former South-North volunteers often have fewer opportunities for financial support, training, and networking than their North-South counterparts. At grenzenlos, we’re working to change that with our Community Fund. Our goal is to provide straightforward funding for South-North alumni outside of Germany for their projects, further training, and regional community events.
Where we’re at
We don’t have enough money to fund projects directly just yet — but we are growing! Whether through buying community shirts, using our affiliate links, or becoming a member: 100% of proceeds flow directly into the fund. We’re building on a strong community that pulls together!
Join the Community
A small contribution makes a huge difference when many people join in. Want to bring in more than just money? We’re looking for hands and minds to help with fundraising, public relations, or as a Project Buddy.
Your time, your talent, your community – get in touch with us!
What we support through the Fund
Locials
We support South-North alumni in bringing their own local social projects to life — with up to €5,000 per project. Whether it’s education, environment, empowerment, health, culture, or social impact: share your idea with us, and we’ll try to find funding through the Community Fund or other sources!
Further training
We support you after your voluntary service — from language courses and vocational qualifications to training for personal development. This helps you sustainably strengthen your opportunities for your career and civic engagement.
Community-Events
We want to enable regional alumni meet-ups worldwide — with up to €2,000 in funding per event. This gives you a space to network with other alumni in your region, exchange experiences from your service and beyond, and spark new initiatives together — outside of Germany.
Support our Fund
Become a Community Member!
Starting at just €1 a month, you can become a community member at grenzenlos and support the engagement, training, and networking of South-North alumni outside of Germany. Every single euro you contribute flows directly into the Community Fund.
As a thank-you, you’ll receive a discount on the weltwärts Community-shirt if you contribute at least €5 a month.
You decide how much you’d like to give:
- 1 euro/month – A sign of your solidarity
- 5 euros/month – Building a strong community network
- 10 euros/month – Bringing even more projects to life
Wear the Community: Community T-Shirts
The Community Shirts — a statement for solidarity.
Grab one of two designs in the Support Trägt Shop and show your solidarity with our global community. For every shirt sold, €10 goes directly into the fund.
Buy a Book
grenzenlos e.V. partners with buch7, an ethical and sustainable bookstore. Think of our community the next time you order a book! By buying your books through our link, a portion of the proceeds goes straight to the Community Fund.
Become a Projektbuddy
Do you have the time and passion to support a South-North alumnus/alumna in developing a project idea, applying for funding, or managing a project? Whether you’re a former South-North or North-South volunteer, or simply stumbled upon us: We’d love to have you on board as a Project Buddy!
Write to: community-fund@grenzenlos.org
Get involved with your skills
Love writing? Have contacts with foundations or a knack for social media? Join our Community Fund Support team! You can jump in flexibly based on your time and interests — helping us strengthen a solidary community and tackle inequality.
Write to: community-fund@grenzenlos.org
Apply for Funding
Is this you?
- You’re a former South-North volunteer who completed a voluntary service in Germany.
- You’ve returned to your home country after your service.
- You have an idea for a project that addresses social or ecological challenges in your local community.
- You want to pursue further training — for your career or your civic/development policy engagement.
How it works
- Submit a Brief Inquiry
Have a project idea? Send us a quick email with an initial outline. You’ll hear back from us within a few weeks. - Partner with a Project Buddy
Want feedback and someone to brainstorm with while developing your idea? We’ll match you with a Project Buddy. Exchanging ideas with someone else in the community will make your application clearer and stronger. - Submit Full Application
On your own or together with your buddy, you’ll refine your idea. Working alongside the Community Fund team, you’ll then submit a detailed Project Concept Note. - Secure Funding
We review your application together with our Advisory Board and explore which funding source fits best — whether from our Community Fund or other funding pools. Please bear with us for a bit — it may take a few weeks for us to get back to you with feedback.
Our Advisory Board & Team
Every two to three months, we come together to discuss progress and decide on submitted project applications.
Our Advisory Board brings together perspectives from four continents: alumni and partners from the Global South who work in development policy, civil society, or partner organisations today.
The Fund Team works behind the scenes to build up the fund.
Our Best Of: Featured Projects
Creative Empowerment in Zambia: Creating Opportunities
Former volunteer Chileshe Chanda uses his project to empower young people in Solwezi. Through workshops in art, theatre, and public speaking, 50 youth are developing leadership skills and new income sources — a creative alternative to high local youth unemployment.
“Life after Volunteering”: First Community Event in East Africa
In January 2026, history was made: Former volunteers from Tanzania and Kenya gathered in Arusha for the very first Community Weekend outside of Germany. Together with local partners, space was created for exchange, skill-building, and a sustainable network in East Africa.
Women Power in Colombia: Tradition Meets Entrepreneurship
Alumni Laura and Juan Camilo are empowering women in rural areas around Buga. Through workshops on sustainable agriculture and leadership, 15 women are building new sources of income while preserving their cultural heritage.