Democracy and journalism - my list of organizations that currently impress me

Why democracy and independent journalism are so closely connected has now become clear to almost everyone. Without a free press, there is no public discourse; without critical voices, there is no control over power. But while traditional media are under economic pressure and trust in institutions is eroding, new ways of shaping the public sphere and political participation are emerging.

In our podcast “Das Neue Geben” (Episode 43), we talked about how independent journalism can function – and why it needs more support today than ever before.

The following organisations show how diverse commitment to democracy can look: they open up new career paths in politics, create dialogue spaces, support independent media, and test new models of social participation.

Organisations and foundations contributing to this:

1️⃣ Vereint für Demokratie

The fund for small and large projects, currently around legal certainty and resilience, organised by ProjectTogether and partners, doubled by the Postcode Lotterie.

2️⃣ Brand New Bundestag

The shooting star among grassroots organisations brings independent new talent into parliaments. The founder and Ashoka Fellow Maximilian Oehl was in my Social Entrepreneurship course at the Studienstiftung 15 years ago - now he inspires the next changemakers (among other things with his book “Brand New Bundestag”).

3️⃣ JoinPolitics

Training and networking for politically engaged individuals, founded by Ashoka Fellow Caroline Weimann. Her book “Die Politik von Morgen” is well worth reading.

4️⃣ Ehrentag

The initiative of the Federal President to make May 23rd (the birthday of the Basic Law) a new federal republic tradition with a participation day for everyone. Donations go to the implementing German Foundation for Engagement and Volunteering.

6️⃣ Hochschule für Gesellschaftsgestaltung (Siljas Räume)

The impressive vision of an impressive founder (guest in Das Neue Geben #48): A space of opportunity for change. I would have loved to study there.

7️⃣ CORRECTIV

The investigative journalists behind the Potsdam research into the AfD's “secret plan against Germany”, and many topics from tax fraud to party financing (guest in Das Neue Geben #43).

8️⃣ Reporter:innen-Preis

The forum for the best journalism is also a celebration of democracy. We at bcause support the award as our own commitment - and we look forward to co-donations!

9️⃣ Pluralis

Journalism as an investment on bcause. The fund takes strategic stakes in media companies across Europe, protecting them from takeover and political influence. And pays returns into participating bcause accounts.

Foundations of bcause users:

Axum Berhe “Zukunft Demokratie in Deutschland”, Luis Hanemann and Christian Vollmann “Gemeinsam für Demokratie”, Mo Asumang Foundation and many more.

Which organizations are inspiring you right now? Write to me - or support them directly via bcause so that your commitment inspires others too.

👉 I look forward to your additions, as always by email or directly on LinkedIn. Or as a comment on a donation to or via my FOFoundation on bcause.

Yours, Felix