SPD on other topics

The SPD wants to put more money into the “Wir für Sachsen” program, which pays volunteers an expense allowance. Grant applications are to become simpler, and clubs, sports and welfare associations are to receive dependable support.

Many people volunteer in clubs. The SPD wants to give them more money for their expenses. Applying for grants should become easier. Clubs should pay no GEMA fees for two parties a year. GEMA charges money when music is played.

A new grant is to pay for assistance so that people with sensory impairments can volunteer. The grant system is to become simpler and more dependable through more lump sums, uniform applications and a shared digital platform. Nonprofit clubs would be exempt from GEMA (music licensing) costs for up to two events a year. The allowance for sports instructors is to rise, and the municipal volunteering budget is to be expanded. Volunteer centers, community foundations and welfare organizations are to get reliable funding, and board members a micro-grant program for training.

The SPD wants to support village shops and strengthen social cooperatives for this purpose. The "Vitale Dorfkerne" (vital village centers) program is to continue and be linked with the "Soziale Orte" (social places) program so that the running costs of community facilities are also covered.

The SPD wants to support village shops. They should offer many things under one roof, such as a café, a post office and groceries. The funding program for village centers should continue. It should also pay for running meeting places, not just building them.

In the SPD's view, village shops should become meeting places that combine a café, postal services, a seniors' club and shopping. The platform also names automated mini-supermarkets as a possible contribution to local supply. Linking two funding programs is meant to cover operating costs in addition to investments. The small-projects fund at the state cultural foundation and the funding for local heritage work are to continue in order to support volunteers in heritage and cultural associations. Existing funding programs are also to focus more on converting existing buildings to new uses.