Funding for the Voluntary Social Year in Bavaria (FSJ Funding Guideline – FSJ-FöR)

This funding guideline is aimed at approved providers of the Voluntary Social Year (FSJ) in Bavaria. The aim is to support these providers in the pedagogical supervision of young people and the organization of the FSJ, to ensure the diversity of FSJ offerings, as well as their quality and widespread availability in Bavaria. The program strengthens civic engagement and the personal development of young people.

The program supports the pedagogical supervision of FSJ participants and the associated organizational and implementation expenses of the providers. This includes costs for seminars, personnel for pedagogical specialists and administration, as well as specific material costs directly serving the implementation of the FSJ.

Funding is provided as a grant in the form of a lump sum, granted per participant and full month of service. The grant is provided as project funding by way of fixed-amount financing, whereby a co-payment is also required. Disbursement is made in installments.

Providers must adhere to certain minimum quality standards, ensure pedagogical supervision, and design the activities of FSJ participants to be labor market neutral and community-oriented. There are regulations regarding the amount of pocket money for participants and the cumulation with other funding.

The application for funding must be submitted to the Centre Bavaria Family and Social Affairs (ZBFS) by July 31st of the respective calendar year. The forms provided by the approving authority must be used, and the proof of use must be submitted on time.

The funding program is based on the Guideline for the Promotion of the Voluntary Social Year in Bavaria (FSJ-FöR) of June 29, 2020, which was amended by a notice of July 6, 2023. In addition, general budgetary provisions and the Youth Voluntary Service Act (JFDG) apply.