Creating impact together!
The Textile Dialogue offers support for your proposed solutions.
Many of the most pressing challenges in textile supply chains cannot be solved in isolation. Issues such as living wages, grievance mechanisms, environmental protection, and responsible purchasing practices require collaboration among brands, suppliers, civil society, trade unions, and local stakeholders.
The Textile Dialogue connects these stakeholders. This opportunity should be seized to jointly put innovative approaches and ideas into practice and make a measurable difference. The DST, commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), therefore supports joint projects that bring about measurable social and environmental improvements in the partner countries of German development cooperation.
These projects shall contribute to the effective implementation of due diligence obligations and deliver tangible improvements for people and the environment where they are most urgently needed. This not only leads to more resilient supply chains but also helps stakeholders prepare for the future.
Call for Proposals for projects in partner countries
The option of partial financing creates incentives to explore new pathways.
As part of the Call for Proposals, DST participants are invited to share their needs and ideas—for instance, on the digital platform—and connect with others to submit joint project proposals.
The goal is to address identified supply chain risks proactively and collaboratively with relevant partners. Involving local rights-holders in project planning and implementation is crucial for creating sustainable structures and fostering genuine change.
For companies, participating in the competition can be a strategic step toward preparing for the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and similar international requirements. Here, you can collaboratively implement innovative ideas for putting human rights and environmental due diligence obligations into practice, close existing gaps, and initiate valuable learning processes together with local suppliers.
For civil society organisations in Europe and partner countries, this offers an opportunity to initiate improvements in close cooperation with all relevant stakeholders and to find suitable consortium partners within the network.
Key information at a glance:
- Multi-stakeholder approach: Applications are open to consortia consisting of at least one DST brand and one additional non-profit DST participant (e.g., NGO, trade union).
- Financial support: Up to 50% of project costs can be covered by public funding. The grant amount is based on the financial contribution made by the participating brands. Eligibility is subject to meeting the project criteria.
- Call for proposals period: Project applications are welcome from September 1 to October 31, 2026.
Detailed information and further links:
- Call for Proposals Factsheet: Objectives, criteria, and process details.
- Application documents and templates: Download the necessary documents on our DST-Platform.
Interested?
Feel free to contact us.
The DST Coordination Teams provides open consultation and assists in finding suitable collaboration partners. You can reach us at hello@textiledialogue.com
Further information about the DST in general and how to join the network can be found on PARTICIPATION.
Get involved now and submit your project ideas!