“Dealing with the crimes committed under National Socialism and their consequences is an ongoing social responsibility,” said Dr Elke Gryglewski, Executive Director of the Lower Saxony Memorials Foundation. “At a time when fundamental democratic values are under pressure and anti-Semitism, racism and anti-democratic tendencies are visibly on the rise, it becomes clear just how important an active culture of remembrance is. The fact that the state of Lower Saxony is investing in memorial work at this time is both a significant and welcome sign.”
Lower Saxony is home to numerous historical sites that commemorate the crimes of National Socialism and its victims. A wide range of memorial sites, associations and initiatives deal with local and regional Nazi history and make it accessible. “Making this diversity visible and promoting it is a key priority for us. We welcome every funding application,” adds Dr Elke Gryglewski.
The additional funds are to be channelled in particular into building works, the modernisation of exhibitions and educational programmes, as well as major purchases to maintain and further develop the memorial work. The aim is to secure the places of remembrance as living places of learning for future generations. An important aspect of this is improving accessibility through inclusion, cultural participation and diversity, as well as promoting gender equality.
“I am delighted that the State of Lower Saxony has recognised the signs of the times and is making a significant amount of funding available. At a time when eyewitnesses are passing away due to old age, it is essential to counter abstruse ideologies on the right and left in a sustainable manner, using all the means available to a democratic state,” adds Michael Fürst, President of the State Association of Jewish Communities in Lower Saxony.
Grant applications can be submitted to the Lower Saxony Memorials Foundation from now until 30 September 2026 at the latest. Eligible for funding are natural persons and non-profit legal entities under private law dedicated to memorial work in Lower Saxony.
Further information can be found here.