Sportstiftung NRW – Nordrhein-westfälische Stiftung zur Nachwuchsförderung im Leistungssport

The Sportstiftung NRW is a general independent foundation of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, founded in 2000 and based in Cologne (Am Sportpark Müngersdorf 6 / IG 2, 50933 Cologne). Its assets were contributed by the state of NRW. The foundation’s purpose is to promote youth elite sports in NRW, particularly the financial and structural support of talented athletes from Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic, and World Games disciplines. The focus is on three funding components: talent support (currently €250/month, from January 1, 2026: €300/month), the NRW Sports Foundation Scholarship (from winter semester 2025/26: €350/month), and boarding school place funding (up to €350 per month, capped at €300). In addition, the foundation supports selected sports boarding schools with €75,000 annually and offers educational and coaching programs (Emotional Competence Coaching, Mental Talent), an alumni network, as well as events such as the Captains Day to promote dual careers (sports & education) and the personal development of young athletes.

The Sportstiftung NRW supports responsible young athletes in North Rhine-Westphalia on their path to becoming exemplary personalities in competitive sports and in their education or studies. It recognizes outstanding achievements, promotes passion and initiative, and creates opportunities that combine sports with academic or professional careers. Its goal is successful participation in international championships and Olympic as well as Paralympic Games, and the sustainable strengthening of the sports region NRW through the promotion of talent, responsibility, and social engagement.

The funding supports young, responsible elite athletes from North Rhine-Westphalia or from NRW clubs who compete in junior squads (NK 1, NK 2, state squads +) in Olympic, Paralympic, Deaflympic, and World Games sports. The programs target athletes who combine outstanding sporting achievements with academic or vocational training, demonstrate exemplary personal competencies (including intrinsic motivation, respect, emotional competence), and distinguish themselves in the long term through commitment and responsibility within their environment.