Promotion of Provenance Research in the Field of Cultural Property Displacements in the SBZ and GDR
From January 1, 2026, application-based funding for provenance research on cultural assets that were confiscated or lost in the Soviet Occupation Zone (SBZ) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) (1945–1990) in connection with persecution and arbitrary measures; focus on initial checks, short- and long-term projects, as well as basic research. Applications possible until 01.04.2026.
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
The funding is intended for the systematic and sustainable processing and documentation of collections in public and private museums, libraries, archives, and other collections in Germany. Projects supported include research on the provenance of cultural assets that were confiscated or lost in the Soviet Occupation Zone and the GDR in connection with persecution and arbitrary measures, including initial checks, short- and long-term research projects, as well as basic research for the standardization and digital publication of the results.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Restoration costs
- Digitization costs
- Show more
Non-eligible expenses
- Legal and mediation costs
- Doctoral projects
- Scholarships
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Located in Germany
- Owner or authorized holder of the cultural asset
- Proof of secured total financing with own funds or third-party funds
- Prior project consultation with the funding agency
Documents required for application
- Sample application form SBZ/DDR
- Financing plan (Excel)
- Proof of project consultation
- Signed paper application
Evaluation criteria
- Relevance for provenance research in the Soviet Occupation Zone/GDR
- Quality of project planning
- Sustainability of documentation
- Professional qualification of the applicants
Description
The application-based funding for provenance research on cultural property losses in the Soviet Occupation Zone (SBZ) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) aims to systematically and sustainably examine holdings of public and private collections in Germany for objects acquired without consent or lost as a result of persecution and arbitrary measures. The focus is on initial checks, short- and long-term research projects, as well as foundational projects for the standardization of methods and the digital publication of results. Scientific investigations in museums, libraries, archives, and other institutions based in Germany are supported. By documenting historical contexts and analyzing the circumstances of dispossession, the program significantly contributes to the recognition of injustices committed in the SBZ/GDR between 1945 and 1990 and promotes collective historical memory as well as international exchange in provenance research.
Public and non-profit institutions, educational providers, and private cultural institutions with ownership or disposal rights over the cultural assets may apply for funding covering up to 100% of eligible expenses (personnel costs, restoration, digitization, travel expenses, acquisitions, publications). The project duration is generally 24 months and may be extended to 36 or a maximum of 60 months in justified cases. The maximum funding amount is €400,000 per research project. Requirements include an applicant based in Germany, secured overall financing, own or third-party funding share, as well as prior project consultation by the German Center for Lost Cultural Assets. The submission of electronic and signed paper applications by April 1, 2026, presents a valuable opportunity to decisively advance provenance research in the SBZ/GDR area and contribute to the scientific discourse.
Ready to secure your funding?
Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.