Funding by the NRW Foundation
Since 1986, the NRW Foundation has been supporting the commitment of citizens to the preservation of landscapes, monuments, and cultural assets in North Rhine-Westphalia. Applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for non-profit organizations in measures to preserve natural and cultural heritage, such as the acquisition of conservation areas, the restoration of listed buildings, the improvement of accessibility, and the promotion of extracurricular learning opportunities.
Eligible expenses
- Construction and investment costs
- Fee costs
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
Non-eligible expenses
- ongoing operating costs
- already completed projects
- projects without thematic relevance to NRW
Eligible to apply
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Project must take place in North Rhine-Westphalia
- Applicants must be non-profit
- No funding for ongoing operating costs
- Projects must not already be completed
- There must be a thematic connection to NRW
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Cost and financing plan
- Self-presentation
Description
Since 1986, the NRW Foundation has supported civic engagement in North Rhine-Westphalia by funding projects aimed at preserving landscapes, listed buildings, and cultural assets. This funding is directed at non-profit organizations implementing innovative and sustainable measures in the fields of building and monument preservation, education, culture, environmental/nature conservation, climate protection, as well as infrastructure and urban development. With a financial framework ranging from €20,000 to €750,000 per project, the foundation offers non-profit initiatives flexible grant opportunities that enable the revitalization of diverse preservation and educational activities. The thematic connection to North Rhine-Westphalia plays a central role in preserving regional identity and cultural heritage.
The NRW Foundation’s funding covers numerous eligible expenses, such as construction and investment costs, fees, project-related personnel costs, and material expenses. However, projects realized under this funding must be publicly accessible and not already completed. Ongoing operating costs are not considered, as the focus is on one-time investments in the long-term preservation of natural and cultural heritage. Applicants are required to submit a detailed project description, a cost and financing plan, as well as a self-presentation of their organization to transparently demonstrate the feasibility of their proposal.
Through the continuous acceptance of applications, the foundation enables flexible and needs-based support for civil society projects in North Rhine-Westphalia. This initiative lays the foundation for sustainable and forward-looking projects that create a positive societal impact. Funding includes, for example, the acquisition of nature conservation areas, the restoration of listed buildings, the improvement of accessibility, and the creation of extracurricular learning opportunities. Together with committed citizens and organizations, a valuable contribution is thus made to the preservation and further development of the regional natural and cultural heritage. The NRW Foundation thereby supports not only projects but also future-oriented ideas that sustainably shape the cultural and ecological coexistence in the region.