Research Funding in Germany
Scientific ideas often require more than just time and expertise: they need resources for personnel, data, infrastructure, and collaborations. Research funding in Germany helps you to finance research projects solidly – from basic research to application-oriented projects with transfer to industry and society. Especially when pursuing ambitious goals, suitable programs can make the difference between a “good outline” and an “implemented project.”
The funding landscape is broad and varies greatly depending on the objective: DFG or ERC funding is usually science-driven and excellence-oriented, while programs from BMBF, BMWK, or the EU (e.g., Horizon Europe) often issue calls that are thematic, mission- and impact-oriented – for example, on climate/energy, health, resilience, or digital sovereignty. At the same time, requirements around Open Science and research data are gaining importance: data management, FAIR principles, ethics, and data protection should be considered early on.
Many projects work particularly well today in networks: universities, research institutions, startups/SMEs, and practical partners from civil society or administration bring not only expertise but also credibility in transfer. For non-profit organizations and social projects, real-world laboratories, participation formats, or science-related education and transfer pathways are often a good entry point. For spin-offs, validation, prototyping, and a clear exploitation path are crucial.
The Reflecta Funding Compass supports you in quickly finding suitable funding programs, assessing requirements, and preparing your application in a structured way. Start with a matching, check eligibility and deadlines – and bring your research project into implementation with the right program.
Recently Added (+359 more)
The newest funding programs in this area Discover all →
Deadline Approaching (+20 more)
These grants have application deadlines coming up soon Discover all →
Ongoing Grants (+666 more)
Funding programs without a fixed end date Discover all →
For Non-Profits (+224 more)
Specifically for non-profit organizations Discover all →
High Funding Amounts (+53 more)
Funding programs with above-average grant amounts Discover all →
Easy Application (+221 more)
Funding programs with straightforward application processes Discover all →
For Companies (+101 more)
Funding programs specifically for companies and SMEs Discover all →
For Public Institutions (+323 more)
Funding programs for municipalities and public institutions Discover all →
For Founders (+23 more)
Funding programs for start-ups and entrepreneurs Discover all →
Awards & Prizes (+187 more)
Competitions, prizes and awards for outstanding projects Discover all →
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Key Grant Providers (+695 more)
The largest grant providers in this area
Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (Jena)
11 grants
Einstein Stiftung Berlin
10 grants
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
9 grants
Raiffeisen-Stiftung
8 grants
Wilhelm und Else Heraeus-Stiftung
7 grants
Stiftung Integrative Medizin
6 grants
ZU|Stiftung
6 grants
MTZ®stiftung
6 grants
Ernst von Siemens Kunststiftung
5 grants
Stiftung Wissenschaft und Demokratie
5 grants
DAAD-Stiftung
5 grants
PRO RETINA-Stiftung zur Verhütung von Blindheit
5 grants