In 2013, the framework of the Social Cohesion Programme was newly designed and consists of four Neighbourhood Funds now. The basis for all measures and funding for the neighbourhood development is the integrated action and development concept (IHEK), which is written every two years by the neighbourhood management teams. The concept is discussed with the public and coordinated with the district administration departments. It focuses according to local needs, monitoring and evaluation.
Action Fund: Each neighbourhood will receive €10,000 annually from the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing for voluntary projects undertaken by residents. Strengthening neighbourhoods, the community, and social contacts are as important as the motivation and involvement of residents and promoting the image of the neighbourhood. This fund supports short-term projects with quickly visible results, with up to €1,500 available for each.
Project Fund: The Project Fund is also funded through the state budget. The aim of this fund is the implementation of projects with a sustainable impact, promoting preventive structures with the corresponding key aspects in the neighbourhoods. These perennial projects will be funded with a minimum of €5,000 up to a maximum of €50,000. The needs assessment for project initiatives is carried out with residents, stakeholders, neighbourhood development partners, the neighbourhood council and the neighbourhood.
Building Fund: 50% of the building fund is financed through the EU (ERDF), with the rest coming from state and federal funds. The Building Fund is available for construction activities costing a minimum of € 50,000. Sustainable stabilisation and development projects in neighbourhood management will be implemented with these resources. Project suitability is assessed with the help of residents, stakeholders, the neighbourhood council, the district administration, and development partners. The selection of projects to be implemented is carried out in a transparent process at the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing.
Network Fund: The Network Fund is funded 50% by the EU (ERDF) and 50% from state funds. With the objective of sustainable stabilisation and development, proven structural measures are transferred from management at a neighbourhood level to a city-wide level. Suitable project ideas are developed with participation from the neighbourhood, a representative of the neighbourhood management team, the district administration and the Senate Department for Urban Development, Building and Housing. Potential projects can be assisted with a minimum of €50,000 from the Network Fund.
Funds – financial resources in 2017
Action Fund: €340,000
Project Fund: €8,250,000
Building Fund: €12,160,000
Network Fund: €4,250,000
Funds – financial resources in 2018
Action Fund: €350,000
Project Fund: €8,000,000
Building Fund: €11,560,000
Network Fund: €3,950,000
From 1999 to 2019, €472.1 million from various support programmes had been spent in the neighbourhood management areas. Funds allocated as follows: National government €107.6 million, European Union €140.9 million, and Land Berlin €223.6 million.
The money had been spent mainly on the lasting revaluation of urban area and housing environment, for social and ethnical integration, and for the support of cooperation and organisation among neighbours. Furthermore, young people, who had already been excluded from the education and labour markets, were provided with new chances of access to job training and gainful employment. Altogether 7255 projects have been supported.
Sources of funding 1999 - 2019
Federal Republic of Germany:
€107.6 million
European Union:
€140.9 million
Federal State of Berlin:
€223.6 million
TOTAL:
€472.1 million