DBU Project Funding
Funding of innovative, exemplary projects for environmental protection in Germany; individual and cooperative projects by SMEs, associations, research institutions, and private individuals possible at any time.
Discover your potential with AI support
- Find out if this grant matches your project
- Develop your application together with AI
- Get matched with many more suitable grants
Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for solution-oriented projects in the fields of environmental technology, environmental research, environmental communication, as well as the protection of natural and cultural assets, with special consideration of small and medium-sized enterprises. The goal is the development and testing of innovative, model approaches for environmental relief and sustainable development.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- External services
Non-eligible expenses
- Institutional funding
- Projects already started
- Projects for market introduction of developed products
- Pure subsidies for printing and travel costs
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
- Individuals
- Founders
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Registered office or place of business in Germany
- Submission of a project outline and a funding application
- Project outline with an innovative environmental relief contribution
- Project must not have already started
Documents required for application
- Project outline
- Funding application
- Cost and financing plan
- Interim and final utilization reports
Evaluation criteria
- Contribution to environmental relief
- Innovative content of the project
- Model character
- Practical relevance
- Relevance to the target group
Description
The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) funds innovative, exemplary projects nationwide in the fields of environmental technology, environmental research, environmental communication, as well as nature and cultural heritage protection. Eligible applicants include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, non-profit organizations, research institutions, and private individuals with a registered office or place of business in Germany. Funding is provided as a non-repayable grant on a cost basis (50% own contribution) or – for universities and institutions with state basic funding – on an expenditure basis (up to 100%). Between €100,000 and €400,000 can be applied for per project, with a project duration of up to 36 months. Personnel expenses, material and travel costs, as well as external services are eligible for funding; pure printing or travel cost subsidies are excluded. Innovative approaches to emission reduction, resource conservation, digitalization, and circular economy are equally in focus as the strengthening of environmental awareness and sustainability competence among children, youth, and multipliers.
The DBU recommends a two-stage application process, initially submitting a project outline (3–10 pages) via the online portal, followed by a complete funding application (approx. 20 pages). Evaluation criteria include contributions to environmental relief, degree of innovation, model character, and practical relevance. Subsequently, the foundation drafts an individual approval letter with clearly defined funding conditions and deadlines for reporting and proof of use. Particularly successful projects are considered in the DBU’s public relations work. Continuous submission of applications is possible, allowing research projects and practice-oriented pilot projects to be implemented flexibly and sustainably anchored.
Ready to secure your funding?
Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.