Demokratieförderung und Teilhabe stärken

Democracy – Strengthening Participation

We are committed to a strong and future-oriented democracy shaped by social cohesion, trust and solidarity. We focus on ensuring equal participation for all, fostering vibrant democratic spaces and strengthening civil society.

Illustration einer Gruppe von Menschen vor einer Stadt

A strong democracy depends on social cohesion and the active participation of all members of society. It is the foundation of a just and diverse society.

In Brief

The Robert Bosch Stiftung is committed to a strong and future-oriented democracy that promotes participation for all and fosters social cohesion.
Our focus areas include expanding democratic spaces, strengthening civil society, and making participation more innovative and inclusive.
We work in long-term partnership with a broad variety of networks and communities across Germany and Europe.

Insights

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Anti-Queer Hostility Is Rising – Now Political Action Matters

An article by Chantal Müller of our partner organisation LSVD⁺ and Ferdinand Mirbach from our Democracy team.

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Why Companies Must Take Responsibility for Diversity and Democracy

An appeal by our Senior Expert Ferdinand Mirbach on the occasion of German Diversity Day.

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Diversity can help create identity: How we can strengthen social cohesion

A piece by Ottilie Bälz, Head of our funding area Global Issues.

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Social cohesion embraces everyone, and Muslims want to be included

The Diversity Barometer shows a high level of rejection of Muslims and Islam in our society. Volker Nüske is committed to strengthening Muslim engagement in order to support social cohesion.

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Strengthening resilience instead of deepening divides – what integration policy in Germany must deliver now

On the list of political priorities, integration has slipped down the rankings. Our experts stress: this is precisely the moment when solutions are needed.

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Our representative democracy needs to become more representative

When every second person feels unrepresented by politics, it’s time for change. Based on the Diversity Barometer 2025, our democracy expert Dr. Gordian Haas recommends furthering the development of our democracy.

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‘Everyday Spaces’: Bringing Democracy into Daily Life

We are convinced that democracy does not belong only in parliaments, but also in everyday life. Our ‘Everyday Spaces’ demonstrate what this can look like in practice.

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6 Misconceptions about Integration – and What the Facts Really Say

Fact-based arguments for a topic that is often the subject of heated discussion – based on studies from the Mediendienst Integration.

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Our Projects

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Everyday Spaces. Making a bigger impact, together

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Climate meets local government – model project on citizens' councils and direct democracy

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Support for Racial Justice in Europe

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Sustainable Digital Economies in the Bolivian Yungas

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Hello Bundestag – Constituency Councils for Democracy

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More intersectional monitoring

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ADD International

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War on Want

What We Want to Change

Democracy is under pressure – public trust is declining, social inequality is growing and civic space is shrinking.

Authoritarian tendencies are rising around the world, and democratic systems face mounting challenges. Germany is not alone in experiencing a growing disconnect between citizens and politicians. Trust in democratic processes and institutions is declining, while social inequalities and social polarization are increasing. Civil society, a key pillar of democracy, is facing growing obstacles to countering these trends.

We promote a strong and future-oriented democracy shaped by social cohesion, trust and solidarity. In doing so, we help build a just and vibrant society in which all members participate and take responsibility for the common good.

How We Create Impact

We build long-term partnerships, strengthen communities and networks, and connect the practical experience of civil society with insights from academic research. In doing so, we foster learning, exchange and lasting networks.

Building long-term partnerships
We maintain close and trusting relationships with our partners, typically supporting them over a number of years to ensure stability and lasting impact.

Strengthening local capacity for action
Our partners develop their own solutions, and we support them in this in a variety of ways — not only financially.

Connecting and scaling knowledge
We link practical expertise with academic research, encourage broad exchanges and introduce new insights into public discourse.

Addressing interdisciplinary issues
We approach democracy as a key theme across the fields of education, climate change, migration, peace politics and healthcare.

FAQ

Brief answers to frequent questions on democracy.

It requires trust, social cohesion and solidarity. It must include all members of society, create equal opportunities for them, and enable everyone to respond to crises collectively.

Engage in dialogue with members society who hold different views: Even when it is challenging, conversing with people who think differently is a crucial part of democracy and can help overcome entrenched divisions.
Stand up for democracy in the workplace: You can support democracy at work by advocating for participation in decision-making, taking a clear stand for diversity and speaking out against hate speech.
Get involved in a citizens’ initiatives or civic associations: These allow you to help shape public affairs without taking the side of a political party, and to witness the impact of your engagement directly.