Pilot and Development Projects
Funding for the testing and further development of innovative nature conservation ideas as well as for the implementation of research results into nature conservation practice, nationwide.
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
Pilot and development projects aim to implement promising nature conservation ideas. In doing so, important research findings are transferred into practice, new methods are tested and further developed to make a sustainable contribution to the preservation of biological diversity and to the integration of conservation and utilization aspects.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel
- Planning
- Acquisition of assets
- Production of assets
Non-eligible expenses
- Application preparation
- Expenditures for state or municipal tasks
- Acquisition of publicly owned land
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Registered office and business operations in Germany
- Proof of professional competence
- Financial contribution
Documents required for application
- Informal project outline
- Detailed application
- Cost overview
- Financing plan
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the conservation idea
- Professional competence
- Sustainable financing
- Practical relevance of the research results
Description
The funding program "Pilot and Development Projects" of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation is aimed at educational institutions as well as public entities operating in the fields of nature conservation, climate protection, and sustainable energy efficiency. The initiative offers a grant intended to help implement innovative nature conservation ideas in practice and secure the sustainability of biological diversity. With a funding rate of 66%, projects are supported that translate pioneering research findings into practical applications, test new methods, and further develop existing procedures. Particular emphasis is placed on projects that combine conservation and utilization aspects and can have a nationwide impact.
The funding requirements include, among other things, having headquarters and business operations in Germany, demonstrating professional competence, and providing financial co-funding by the applicants. Eligible expenses cover areas such as personnel, planning, as well as the acquisition and production of capital goods, while costs for application preparation, expenses related to state or municipal tasks, and the purchase of publicly owned land are not covered. To apply, it is necessary to submit an informal project outline, followed by a detailed application, a comprehensive cost overview, and a sound financing plan. The review of project outlines allows an initial assessment of eligibility before further discussions take place in a formal procedure.
The pilot and development projects create a platform that enables the targeted integration of scientific findings into practice-oriented projects. This funding format not only promotes exchange between research and practical application but also supports the long-term preservation of habitats and the development of innovative concepts in nature conservation. The initiative encourages project sponsors to further develop their ideas within a structured process, combining both ecological and economic aspects. Overall, this funding makes a significant contribution to the sustainable advancement of nature conservation in Germany, as it supports the practical implementation of research results and the transfer of knowledge into the actual protection of nature and the environment.
Ready to secure your funding?
Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.