The Crossing Borders program provides international research grants to authors, filmmakers, and photographers who address current social issues and seek to reflect their impact on different cultures and societies through their work. The aim of the program is to support the creation of publications that refute commonly held stereotypes, inspire dialog and promote mutual understanding.

We welcome applications both from newcomers and from established authors, filmmakers, and photographers alike who take interest in conducting first-hand research, visiting authentic places, and creating works that offer new perspectives on other societies to the German speaking public. Works from a range of genres are eligible, including literary and essayistic prose, photographic work, children’s and youth literature, feature films and documentaries, and radio or multimedia productions.

We support research for German-language publications in the countries in Africa, Asia and Europe. In addition, authors, filmmakers and photographers from China (including Taiwan, Macao, Hong Kong), India, Indonesia, Japan and Vietnam have the opportunity to receive funding for research in Germany.

Depending on the destination country, it is possible to apply for research funding of up to €15,000 which includes:

– Subsidy for the travel costs for one way, continuation and return travel to the destination country/countries up to a maximum of € 2,500,

– Subsidy for accommodation costs and meals for max. 31 days

– Subsidy for the preparation of the work, implementation and follow-up of the research trip in the amount of € 1,500 per month for a total of max. three months.

Event Funding

In connection with the publication of the Crossing Borders works, it is possible to apply for funding for the presentation of these works at public events.

Crossing Borders is a program of the Robert Bosch Stiftung, conducted in cooperation with Literarisches Colloquium Berlin.