Urd
What was
Learn from history, statecraft and the successes and failures that shaped our institutions.
Fellowship · Berlin
Weave what comes next.
Norn is a fellowship in Berlin for people aged 18 to 29 who want to shape politics — as officeholders, as experts, or from research, business and civil society.
- €25,000
- starter grant, yours to use freely
- 1+ years
- alongside work or school
- 18–29
- from anywhere in the world
- Berlin
- our home base
The name
Three sisters at the foot of the world tree.
In Norse myth, the Norns tend Yggdrasil and weave the fate of the world. We take the old idea and turn it around: fate is not given. It is made by people who decide to take part.
Verdandi
What is
Work on real problems today, next to people who carry real responsibility.
Skuld
What shall be
Prepare to lead — in parliaments, ministries, research, companies and civil society.
Who it is for
People who will work with power.
Norn is built for two kinds of people. Many fellows are a bit of both.
Future officeholders and experts
You can imagine serving in politics one day — as an elected representative, an advisor, a public servant or an expert people turn to.
People who already work with politics
You come from research, entrepreneurship or the non-profit world and work with political decision-makers. You want a stronger network and sharper skills for it.
What you get
Money, people and time.
- 01
€25,000 starter grant
Unrestricted. Use it for your project, your organisation, your research or your own runway.
- 02
Help to raise more
Support with fundraising, funding strategy and building your organisation.
- 03
A network in Berlin and beyond
Mentors, peers and decision-makers from politics, science, business and civil society.
- 04
Time to keep doing what you do
The fellowship lasts at least one year and fits alongside work or studies.
- 05
Gatherings in Berlin
Regular meetings in the German capital, at the centre of European politics.
How it works
Three steps.
- 1
Apply
Tell us who you are and what you want to change.
- 2
Talk
Selected applicants meet us for a conversation.
- 3
Join
Fellows receive the grant and join the Norn community for at least one year.
Based in Berlin. Open to the world.
Norn is centred in Berlin, the political capital of Europe’s largest economy. Fellows join from all over the world.
Questions
Good to know.
How old do I need to be?
Fellows are between 18 and 29 years old.
Can I keep my job or my studies?
Yes. The fellowship lasts at least one year and is designed to fit alongside work or school.
What can I spend the grant on?
Whatever you decide. The €25,000 starter grant is yours to use as you see fit.
Do I have to be German or live in Berlin?
No. Norn is based in Berlin and open to applicants from all over the world.
Do I have to want a political career?
Not necessarily. We welcome people who see themselves in politics one day, and people who work with politics from research, business or civil society.
Ready to take part?
Applications are open. Tell us who you are and what you want to change.
Start application