{"id":133191,"date":"2025-05-08T08:43:53","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T06:43:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dbu.de\/?page_id=133191"},"modified":"2026-02-10T13:05:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T12:05:05","slug":"faq-on-project-funding","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dbu.de\/en\/promotion\/project-funding\/faq-on-project-funding\/","title":{"rendered":"FAQ on project funding"},"content":{"rendered":"

FAQ on project funding (national)<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/header>\n\n\n
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Simply apply – personal advice: We accompany you step by step on the way to funding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you have an idea for a project for which you would like to receive funding from the DBU? Regardless of whether you already have experience with funding applications or are applying for the first time: Our aim is to provide you with the best possible support along the way. With us, the path to funding is simple – fast, digital and easy to understand. And we are happy to support you with individual advice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may initially have many questions – in particular, whether your project idea can be funded by the DBU at all. We have therefore compiled answers to a selection of frequently asked questions below. The questions and answers do not claim to be exhaustive or all-encompassing. The extent to which a project can be funded by the DBU is always examined individually from a technical and legal perspective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The questions you have are not included or one answer is not enough for you? Please feel free to contact us! Our staff will be happy to advise and support you with regard to your project idea and a possible application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

General questions on eligibility and scope of funding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Does our project idea match your funding offer? <\/h4>
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The Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) supports projects that develop innovative, exemplary and economically viable solutions for the environment, ecology and sustainability. For this purpose we offer 11 funding themes plus open-topic funding<\/strong><\/a> as well as temporary funding initiatives<\/strong><\/a> are available. The focus is particularly on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DBU also supports international projects<\/strong><\/a> with a focus on the countries of Central and (South) Eastern Europe (CEE). Funding for international projects beyond CEE is possible in individual cases.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div> \n\n

Who is supported?<\/h4>
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As a rule, legal entities are funded – e.g. small and medium-sized enterprises, clubs, organizations, associations, local authorities, scientific institutions and universities. Natural persons and state institutions can be funded in individual cases following a separate review. Special consideration is given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). <\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div> \n\n

How do I find out whether I have a good chance of receiving funding from the DBU?<\/h4>
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Please inform yourself first on this website about project funding<\/strong><\/a>. You can also read the DBU funding guidelines<\/strong><\/a> – in particular the section “Procedural provisions” – is recommended, as these define the legal framework for funding.
The next step is then to use our online application procedure<\/strong><\/a> to upload a “project outline” in order to initiate the technical processing of your request at the DBU. If you have any questions, the DBU staff will contact you. Please note that this does not constitute a technical assessment of the content of your project idea. <\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div> \n\n

How much funding is available?<\/h4>
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The amount of funding is reviewed and determined on an individual basis. In principle, own contributions must be provided and verified in DBU-funded projects (information in the section “Questions on funding quotas, own contribution and overheads” and in the”Working aids for the application<\/strong><\/a>“). The funding amount per project (excluding own contribution) is often between \u20ac100,000 and \u20ac400,000. Projects with a funding amount of up to \u20ac175,000 are approved by the Secretary General of the DBU. Projects with higher funding volumes are additionally assessed and approved by the DBU Board of Trustees. <\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div><\/div> \n\n

Which projects are excluded from funding?<\/h4>
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In accordance with our funding guidelines, these are not eligible for funding:<\/p>\n\n\n\n