Over the past few years, deep-seated social changes have left their highly noticeable marks on Germany’s communities, cities, and regions. In light of shrinking populations and migration processes, rural areas in particular face difficult tasks when it comes to providing services for the public. The future prospects of entire regions remain uncertain, and this is having major effects on the local population’s living conditions. Acting in a self-responsible manner and civic involvement are becoming important factors for the future viability and living quality of communities and regions. Wherever there is change, there comes new freedom – which people can fill with creativity and a will to get things done. Citizens are needed who recognize the opportunities for change, develop their own ideas, go down unconventional paths, and perhaps also want to become role models for others. Robert Bosch Stiftung wants to support these people and assist them as they break new ground and enter into such “uncharted waters.” We are looking for people who want to shape their environments and neighborhoods on their own in times of social change. We welcome unconventional ideas and ways of achieving them – but they should always focus on the general good and cooperation, with the overarching goal of maintaining or creating quality of life for everyone. The program is open to applicants from the German states of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. (Robert Bosch Foundation)