The CrossCulture Programme (CCP) funds 55 to 60 professionals and volunteers from over 40 countries with its CCP Fellowships. Fellows spend two to three months working with host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries to broaden their expertise, build valuable networks and further develop their transcultural skills. In return, the host organisations benefit from the expertise, regional knowledge and networks of the CCP Fellows.
Participants have the opportunity to take part in transcultural workshops, networking events and professional meetings organised by the CCP. The experience gained abroad will be integrated into the work of the Fellows' home organisations upon their return.
The CCP Fellowships for 2026 will be offered as on-site Fellowships. Depending on individual circumstances and applicable travel regulations, Fellows may also opt for digital participation. The programme is subject to funding by the German Federal Foreign Office.
The CrossCulture Programme makes [intercultural dialogue] possible by bringing together a diverse group of people each year. Being exposed to all these perspectives is especially important for artists if they want their art to create empathy. It’s important for their practice as well as their mental and political growth.
Abdalla Daif, CCP-Alumnus of 2005
Twenty years ago, in 2005, the CrossCulture Programme was founded with a powerful vision: to build bridges across cultures and strengthen civil society networks. With over 1,200 alums from across the globe, a vibrant and diverse community has emerged, united by a shared commitment to create positive change. The programme would not have become what it is without the contributions of our community.
Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Mexico, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories, Philippines, Republic of Moldova, Russia, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
The CCP-countries are agreed upon by ifa and the Federal Foreign Office, and may therefore vary from year to year.
What are the prerequisites?
What is desirable?
Fellowships are principally awarded to people working in the following subjects and professional fields:
In 2026, the programme will also focus on the following key issues:
The aim of the CCP Fellowship is to support and strengthen civil society actors in their commitment. This includes the following:
Incomplete applications, applications sent by e-mail and applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
The application period for CCP Fellowships 2026 is from 15 October until 10 December 2025.
After submitting your application, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your documents. After the deadline has expired, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview by the Selection Board.
The finally selected Fellows are expected to be notified of their participation in the CCP Fellowship Programme by e-mail in March/April 2026. The programme will run from May to November 2026.
Applicants who have not been selected will also be informed by e-mail. Unfortunately, due to the high number of applications, we are unable to provide information about the reasons for not being selected.
Further questions? Check out our FAQ.
Is your organisation interested in international collaboration? During two to three months of professional stays in host organisations in Germany or CCP partner countries, participants deepen their expertise, establish new contacts and acquire transcultural skills. In turn, the host organisations benefit from the CCP Fellows’ expertise, regional knowledge and networks.
Interested in becoming a host organisation?
For more information, please contact us:
E-Mail: crossculture(at)ifa.de
Tel: +49.711.2225.156
We match you with the right Fellow from your field of work and expertise. The participating Fellows come from up to 40 countries from the WANA region, Central, South and Southeast Asia, the Indo-Pacific Region, the Eastern Partnership countries and Russia as well as countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Within the programme we offer Fellowships in civil society fields of work such as policy and society, human rights, sustainable development, non-formal political education, digital civil society, and media and culture.
Read more about the Fellows focus topics here:
Human Rights and Peace
Media and Culture
Sustainable Development and Climate Justice
Policy and Society
End of the year: Call for CCP Fellowships
January – April: Selection of Fellows
From April: Assignment of Fellows to matching host organisations and initial introduction
May – November: Implementation of CCP Fellowships (2-3 months)
Beginning the hosting: Once you have shown interest in hosting a fellow, a first online introductory meeting is arranged. The period for the hosting will be agreed on mutually. Subsequently, feasible assignments in consultation with the Fellowship holder can be arranged, guiding the Fellow through possible tasks and relevant work processes as well as integrating them into the organisation’s day-to-day routine. The Fellows are all professionals in their fields and can, therefore, work independently on tasks and projects.
Once the hosting has started: Nomination of an internal contact person who will mentor the Fellowship holder during the professional exchange.
Ongoing: Supporting the Fellow in establishing contacts with other relevant institutions and individuals.
At the end of the hosting: Provision of feedback on the cooperation with the CCP Fellow in a standardised online survey prepared by ifa.
SHARE Magazine is made for the community by the community! We report on people working for positive change - in Latin America, West and North Africa, Caucasus, Central and South Asia. The stories in our magazine are written and photographed by ifa alumni who are at home in these regions. SHARE shows these countries and societies from unusual angles.
Jennifer Rücker
Head of CrossCulture Programme
Charlottenplatz 17
D-70173 Stuttgart
CrossCulture Programme Team
![[Translate to english:]](/fileadmin/_processed_/0/0/csm_frau-in-afghanistan_1a6c55888e.jpg "[Translate to english:]")
