Fonds Demokratie verteidigen

The donation fund “Defending Democracy” by Effektiv Spenden enables supporters to back highly effective initiatives that strengthen the resilience of democratic institutions and actively defend civil rights and the rule of law—in Germany and around the world.
Source: Effektiv Spenden – Defending Democracy

Why “Defending Democracy” Matters

Democracy is the foundation of freedom, human rights, and social justice. Yet for several years now, the global trend has been clearly negative:

• 72% of the world’s population now lives in autocracies—the highest share since 1978.

• Only around 12% of the world’s population lives in liberal democracies.

• For the first time in more than 20 years, there are more autocracies than democracies worldwide.

Source: V-Dem Democracy Report 2024

These developments make one thing clear: democracy is not a given. It must be actively protected, defended, and strengthened in a strategic way.

Focus of the Fund

• Strategic strengthening of democracy:
  The fund counters the global trend of autocratization by financing measures that make democratic institutions more resilient (“resilience”) and actively defend civil rights and the rule of law.

• Evidence-based grantmaking:
  Funding decisions are made in close cooperation with the research partner Power for Democracies. The focus is strictly on effectiveness, supporting organizations with proven high leverage—such as through strategic litigation or investigative journalism.
  Source: Effektiv Spenden – Power for Democracies

• Global & local approach:
  Originally launched with a focus on Germany, the fund is now internationally oriented and allocates resources where threats to democracy are greatest or opportunities for strengthening it are most promising.

What’s New and Current

Since 31 July 2025, the fund’s grantmaking has been systematically based on the recommendations of Power for Democracies. At the same time, its geographic scope has been deliberately expanded: democracy is supported wherever the need is most urgent.
Source: Effektiv Spenden – Defending Democracy

Who Is Supported

Among others, the fund has supported:

• HateAid, with core funding for 2026 in the area of digital civil rights, including work related to the Digital Services Act and the AI Act
• Verfassungsblog, with analyses and reporting on threats to judicial independence at the federal and state levels
• Flow Fund (Eastern Germany), strengthening social cohesion and democratic participation
• Alliance4Europe, focusing on European democracy support and combating disinformation

Source: Effektiv Spenden – Funded Organizations

Impact and Transparency

• Donors receive regular updates on how funds are used and on the impact of the supported projects.
• Organizations are funded particularly where there is a clear need and where other sources of financing are not secured.
• Selection follows criteria such as effectiveness, relevance, neglectedness, and sustainability.

Source: Effektiv Spenden – Transparency & Impact

Cooperation with Geld für die Welt

Geld für die Welt supports the “Defending Democracy” fund because a functioning democracy is a prerequisite for tackling poverty, injustice, and humanitarian crises effectively over the long term. Only where the rule of law, freedom of expression, and a strong civil society are protected can people and organizations act sustainably.

Through our support, we aim to help protect and further strengthen democratic structures—in Germany and worldwide.