Finding Funding for Work in Germany

Whether you want to qualify employees, create new jobs, or help people with challenging starting conditions enter the workforce: funding in the area of employment is a key lever in Germany to make projects realistically financeable. Especially when digitalization, decarbonization, or structural change force transformations, grants and programs help to implement further training, adjustment processes, and sustainable employment more quickly.

The funding landscape is broad: it often focuses on qualification and employability – including digital and “green” skills – as well as on labor market integration of disadvantaged groups such as the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, refugees, or young people without a degree. Securing skilled workers in small and medium-sized enterprises, consulting during transformation phases, and promoting social innovations or social enterprises also play an increasingly important role.

What is important: many programs are tied to clear target groups, measurable results, and deadlines. In addition to federal actors such as the BMAS and the Federal Employment Agency, job centers, ESF Plus programs from the federal government and states, as well as regional funding, are crucial. Those who consider indicators, partners (e.g., job centers, educational providers, companies), and possible co-financing early on significantly increase their chances of successful funding.

So that you don’t have to search through each guideline individually, the Reflecta Funding Compass supports you: you can find suitable funding through matching, keep relevant calls in view, and prepare the application process in a structured way. This way, you get from idea to implementation faster – with a funding mix that fits your project.