German Television Lottery Foundation: Funding

The Deutsche Fernsehlotterie Foundation provides nationwide financial grants of up to €300,000 to non-profit organizations, interest groups, and associations for projects with a duration of up to 36 months. Targeted support is given to initiatives that improve the lives of disadvantaged or vulnerable people and build sustainable structures in the areas of self-determined aging, social participation & future opportunities, as well as neighborhood & community. Funding covers, among other things, personnel costs, fees and material expenses, as well as capital expenditures for construction and initial equipment. Evaluation is based on clearly defined criteria: proof of a concrete need, a solid financing basis including own funds, a comprehensible presentation of goals and impact, and alignment with the Foundation’s statutory purposes. Projects for older people, children and youth, refugees, or people with disabilities receive special consideration.

Non-profit status, a current tax exemption certificate, positively reviewed organizational audit, and a shared statutory purpose with the Foundation are basic prerequisites for an application. Project commencement may only occur after written funding approval. Applications must include a detailed project description, a cost and financing plan, an extract from the commercial or association register, and a statement from the responsible municipality. The funding portal of the German Relief Organization is open at all times; applications can be submitted continuously – with two fixed deadlines in May/June and November/December. The earliest possible start date for funded measures is December 1, 2026. This ongoing funding opportunity supports committed initiatives in effecting sustainable social change.