Wacken Foundation

The Wacken Foundation is a recognized, non-profit foundation under civil law based in Dörpstedt (postal address Wacken). It is exclusively dedicated to the promotion of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music. From its foundation assets, it supports bands, artists, lyricists, composers, and event organizers within the scene through financial grants, interest-free loans, or default guarantees for projects such as concert productions, tours, CD productions, acquisition of instruments and technical equipment, as well as training costs. The maximum funding amount is generally €5,000.

The Wacken Foundation supports talents in the hard rock and heavy metal scene by providing financial resources to both young and established artists. The goal is to realize creative projects that enable artistic advancement and strengthen the cultural diversity of the metal scene in the long term. The foundation places great value on independence from commercial exploitation partners and particularly supports those who pursue the hard-earned path away from the mainstream.

Individuals and groups from the hard rock and heavy metal scene are supported, including bands, solo artists, lyricists, composers, and event organizers. Projects without or with limited affiliation to labels and publishers are particularly eligible. The foundation is aimed at all those who seek to sustainably advance the live experience and artistic level of the scene with their initiatives.