This page offers descriptions of the foundation’s thematic and geographical focus areas as well as information on both the regular cycle funding and supplementary funding streams.
FUNDING
APPLICATION CYCLE DATES FOR FUNDING IN 2025/2026
Applications to the Karl Kahane Foundation can be submitted within a biannual application cycle. Applicants can usually choose to apply for funding during one of the two following application cycles: Fall/Winter (November - January) or Spring/Summer (April - June).
Please note that this website will be updated with the dates about the application cycle, closer to the start of each cycle. The Foundation's deadlines are always at noon, 12pm CET.
Application Dates 2025:
For the upcoming Fall/Winter application cycle (FWC), we will exclusively open to our running partners, who will be invited by the Foundation’s team to submit their application. Regrettably, we are not able to consider new and unsolicited applications.
The application window opens on 24th of November and closes on 12th of December 2025 at noon 12pm CET.
Update Application Cycle Spring/Summer 2025 for running partners
The application cycle will open on Monday June 23rd, 2025, and close on Monday July 21st, 2025. Running partners receive the application link via email once the application has been unlocked on Optimy. The mail will be sent out by Monday June 23rd. Partners will have the opportunity to update their application form from last year.
Update Application Cycle Spring/Summer 2025 for new (second round) applicants
1) Calls will be scheduled with each organization between Monday July 7th - Monday July 21st for introductions and additional questions.
2) The KKF Board meeting is in September 2025. The KKF team will finalize all applications by mid-August. Decisions by the Board can be expected towards the end of September. Grants will be transferred by the end of October.
*Please note that the application window for new applicants has now closed*
Please note that this website will be updated with the dates about the application cycle, closer to the start of each cycle. The Foundation's deadlines are always at noon, 12pm CET.
Application Dates 2025:
For the upcoming Fall/Winter application cycle (FWC), we will exclusively open to our running partners, who will be invited by the Foundation’s team to submit their application. Regrettably, we are not able to consider new and unsolicited applications.
The application window opens on 24th of November and closes on 12th of December 2025 at noon 12pm CET.
Update Application Cycle Spring/Summer 2025 for running partners
The application cycle will open on Monday June 23rd, 2025, and close on Monday July 21st, 2025. Running partners receive the application link via email once the application has been unlocked on Optimy. The mail will be sent out by Monday June 23rd. Partners will have the opportunity to update their application form from last year.
Update Application Cycle Spring/Summer 2025 for new (second round) applicants
1) Calls will be scheduled with each organization between Monday July 7th - Monday July 21st for introductions and additional questions.
2) The KKF Board meeting is in September 2025. The KKF team will finalize all applications by mid-August. Decisions by the Board can be expected towards the end of September. Grants will be transferred by the end of October.
*Please note that the application window for new applicants has now closed*
THEMATIC FOCUS
The Karl Kahane Foundation focuses on the topics of Accessibility, Migration / Inclusion and Social Mobility.
Accessibility
Promoting and improving the emotional well-being, self-determination and inclusion of persons with disabilities and special needs.
Migration / Inclusion
Fostering self-sufficiency, inclusion and well-being for migrants.
Social Mobility
Offering a path to self-sufficiency to those in the most vulnerable situations in society.
Accessibility
Promoting and improving the emotional well-being, self-determination and inclusion of persons with disabilities and special needs.
Migration / Inclusion
Fostering self-sufficiency, inclusion and well-being for migrants.
Social Mobility
Offering a path to self-sufficiency to those in the most vulnerable situations in society.
GEOGRAPHIC FOCUS
We currently have a focus on projects in the following regions:
Europe
Turkey
Middle East
North Africa
For a detailed list of countries included in these areas, please visit our FAQ page.
Europe
Turkey
Middle East
North Africa
For a detailed list of countries included in these areas, please visit our FAQ page.
REQUIREMENTS AND EXCLUSIONS
- Additional elegibility requirements
REGULAR CYCLE FUNDING APPLICATIONS
There are two types of applications for our regular cycle funding:
1. New Project Applications: projects which previously have not been funded by the Kahane Foundation (current Karl Kahane Foundation grantees applying for new projects are also considered new projects).
2. Running Project Applications: current Karl Kahane Foundation grantees eligible for continuing Karl Kahane Foundation funding for a project.
New project applicants go through a two-step application process. The First-Step Application Form is made available via a link at the bottom of this section during published application periods. First-Step Applications are often evaluated within two weeks after the deadline for submissions. After evaluation, applicants can expect a reply with either an invitation to continue to the Second-Step Application Form or a decision declining the funding request.
Current Karl Kahane Foundation grantees that wish to re-apply for funding can discuss this with the Karl Kahane Foundation. These grantees might then be invited to fill our online application form for Running Projects.
1. New Project Applications: projects which previously have not been funded by the Kahane Foundation (current Karl Kahane Foundation grantees applying for new projects are also considered new projects).
2. Running Project Applications: current Karl Kahane Foundation grantees eligible for continuing Karl Kahane Foundation funding for a project.
New project applicants go through a two-step application process. The First-Step Application Form is made available via a link at the bottom of this section during published application periods. First-Step Applications are often evaluated within two weeks after the deadline for submissions. After evaluation, applicants can expect a reply with either an invitation to continue to the Second-Step Application Form or a decision declining the funding request.
Current Karl Kahane Foundation grantees that wish to re-apply for funding can discuss this with the Karl Kahane Foundation. These grantees might then be invited to fill our online application form for Running Projects.
OUR OTHER FUNDING STREAMS
In addition to our regular cycle funding, the Karl Kahane Foundation has four other funding streams, which are briefly described below. The link of each separate funding stream will redirect you to a page with an overview of the supported projects.
- Active Funding Streams:
The Karl Kahane Foundation reserves a portion of its annual funding for organisations working on the ground during humanitarian disasters with the purpose of providing funding when and where it is most needed. We are not open to unsolicited applications for emergency support.
- Funding Stream Archive:
The COVID-19 Relief Fund emerged in response to the impact of COVID-19 within the foundation's geographic focus areas. The COVID-19 Relief Fund is no longer active.
- Funding through Jungbunzlauer until 2024:
Alongside our regular cycle funding, the Karl Kahane Foundation dedicated a portion of its annual budget to support projects in the communities of Jungbunzlauer. From 2025 onward, those grants are being distributed directly by the company.
Additionally, the Jungbunzlauer Jubilee Gift grants were awarded to organisations showing excellence and innovation in each of the Karl Kahane Foundation's thematic focus areas.