Funding for Visitor Information Centers (VIC)
Funding of visitor information centers (BIZ) and information points in the Buchenwald Grumsin World Natural Heritage site in Brandenburg to strengthen visitor management and information in biosphere reserves and nature parks. Applications in paper form to the State Office for the Environment Potsdam.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The purpose of the funding is to strengthen the work of the visitor information centers (BIZ) in the biosphere reserves and nature parks of Brandenburg, as well as the information points in the Grumsin Beech Forest World Natural Heritage Site, beyond their statutory information duties. This aims to promote understanding of the conservation objectives of the areas, increase the population's identification with the goals of the protected areas, and enable a nature-compatible experience of nature. Additionally, objectives of sustainable development and environmental protection are pursued, and opportunities for the economic development of rural areas are created through improved visitor information.
Eligible expenses
- Development of concepts and non-investive measures
- Target group-oriented visitor advice and support
- Public relations
- Events
- Repairs to ensure functionality
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Non-eligible expenses
- In-kind contributions in the form of own services
- Voluntary Ecological Year (FÖJ) and Federal Volunteer Service (BFD)
- Economic activities of the BIZ/Information points
- Projects and events funded under other guidelines
- Building renovation and maintenance
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Companies
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Legal entities under public and private law
- Sponsorship of a BIZ in a biosphere reserve or nature park
- Sponsorship of an information point in the Grumsin beech forest UNESCO World Natural Heritage site
Documents required for application
- BIZ and World Natural Heritage Grumsin Guidelines (PDF)
- Economic and Budget Plan
- Forecast for the Next Three Years
- Application Form with All Required Attachments
Description
The funding for Visitor Information Centers (BIZ) of the State of Brandenburg is aimed at legal entities under public and private law that operate visitor centers in the biosphere reserves and nature parks, as well as information points in the Grumsin Beech Forest UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The objective is to provide professionally sound visitor management and information to enhance understanding of the protection of these unique natural areas and to enable nature-compatible visitor experiences. By strengthening the information centers, the goals of sustainable development and environmental protection are promoted, while simultaneously creating opportunities for the economic development of rural regions. The funding measure applies for the duration of the guideline from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2028; applications can be submitted to the State Office for the Environment Potsdam during this period.
Non-investive measures such as the development of concepts, target group-oriented visitor counseling, public relations, events, as well as repairs to maintain the functionality of exhibitions and information points are eligible for funding. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, material expenses, overhead flat rate (15%), and training-specific services up to a funding rate of up to 80%. Excluded are in-kind contributions, voluntary ecological services, commercial activities, and building renovations. Required documents include, among others, a business and budget plan, a three-year financial forecast, and the completed application form with all attachments. This funding further strengthens the central role of the BIZ and information points as mediators of Brandenburg’s natural and cultural treasures and sustainably deepens awareness of the international UNESCO World Natural Heritage sites.
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