European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) supports regional measures in all EU member states with the aim of reducing social and economic disparities. It provides continuously available grant funding for projects in the areas of regional development, infrastructure, urban planning & urban renewal, culture & media, digitalization, climate protection, as well as energy efficiency & renewable energies. The funding programs are aligned with the regional priorities of the 2021–2027 programming period and are guided by overarching goals such as innovation, sustainability, climate-friendly transformation, and digital connectivity. Applications are processed decentrally through the responsible administrative offices of the federal states or regions, ensuring tailored implementation of projects on site.

Eligible applicants include public and municipal institutions, educational establishments, companies, interest groups, associations, and non-profit organizations that, as legal entities, implement projects with a clear connection to regional development objectives. A prerequisite for funding is alignment with the regional ERDF priorities and a demonstrable project reference in the field of regional development. Eligible costs particularly include investment expenses for cultural infrastructure, the restoration and modernization of cultural heritage sites, measures to improve accessibility, as well as the digitalization of culture and collection management. Evaluation criteria include the contribution to regional development, strategic integration into innovation, sustainability, and digitalization, as well as the long-term impact on the regional structure. With its thematic breadth, the fund offers attractive support for initiatives that sustainably combine culture, infrastructure, and innovation locally.