Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU)

The Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) is a legally capable foundation under civil law based in Osnabrück, founded in 1990 on the initiative of the Federal Republic of Germany. As one of the largest private environmental foundations in Europe, it supports innovative, exemplary, and solution-oriented projects for environmental protection in the fields of environmental technology, environmental research, environmental communication, as well as nature and cultural heritage conservation. The DBU provides annual funding of approximately €50 million and directs its funding primarily to small and medium-sized enterprises, universities, research institutions, and non-profit organizations. It operates independently and politically neutral to enable novel environmental protection solutions outside of government programs.

The DBU supports innovative, exemplary projects for environmental protection, guided by ecological, economic, social, and cultural aspects of sustainable development. It sees itself as an independent and politically neutral foundation that regards medium-sized businesses, research, and civil society as important partners. With interdisciplinary expertise, the DBU advises and accompanies project sponsors from the initial concept to implementation and ensures the visible communication of project results to the public.

The funding programs of the DBU primarily target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany, but also universities, research institutions, municipalities, and non-profit organizations. Individual and cooperative projects are supported that pursue innovative, practical, and exemplary approaches for environmentally and health-friendly processes, products, and services, and contribute to sustainable development and the protection of natural and cultural assets.