Funding for project support and consulting in the "STRONG VILLAGE+" program
The state of Hesse supports initiatives in rural areas with grants ranging from EUR 1,000 to 7,500 for coaching and consulting to strengthen social cohesion in the village. Funding rate up to 90%, own contribution 10%, applications accepted until the budget is exhausted.
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
Support for initiatives in rural areas of Hesse through coaching and consulting services during the planning phase of projects that strengthen social cohesion and community interaction, as well as improve the quality of life and living environment.
Eligible expenses
- Coaching and consulting services
- Specialist advice and expert reports
- Process support
Non-eligible expenses
- Retroactive costs
- Institutional funding
- Ongoing personnel costs
- Acquisitions over 15,000 EUR
Eligible to apply
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
- Cooperatives
- Foundations
Funding requirements
- Initiative with legal form (e.g., civil law partnership, foundation, association, cooperative)
- Project implementation in rural areas of Hesse
- Common good-oriented project objectives
- Own contribution of at least 10%
- Civic engagement
Documents required for application
- Quotes/Cost estimates from 1,000 EUR
- Photos of the current status
- Screenshot of the project site
- Permits (e.g., usage agreement)
Evaluation criteria
- Order of receipt of applications
- Quality and completeness of the application
- Relevance to rural cohesion
Description
The funding program “STARKES DORF+” of the Hessian State Chancellery targets initiatives in rural municipalities of Hesse that strengthen social cohesion and promote quality of life. Three approaches are supported: project support and consulting, implementation of small projects, and the establishment of citizen cooperatives. Grants ranging from EUR 1,000 to 7,500 support coaching, expert reports, process facilitation, or the development of new meeting places – from the initial concept to the usage agreement. Up to 90% of eligible expenses are covered, with a minimum own contribution of 10%. Annual funds totaling EUR 600,000 are available and can be applied for until the budget is exhausted. Applications are submitted digitally via the application portal, supported by offers or cost estimates starting at EUR 1,000, photos of the current status, location screenshots, and required permits.
Associations, cooperatives, foundations, or civil law partnerships may submit applications, provided the project is implemented in a rural area defined according to the Thünen typology and pursues common good-oriented objectives. Projects already started, retroactive costs, ongoing personnel expenses, or investments exceeding EUR 15,000 are excluded. Allocation is based on the date of receipt and completeness of the application. Approved projects must be settled by November 30 of the approval year; the establishment of citizen cooperatives may take up to 18 months. After project completion, a usage report with a factual report and supporting documents must be submitted within six months. “STARKES DORF+” thus creates unbureaucratic funding opportunities to preserve and newly design vibrant places of community in Hesse’s rural areas.
Ready to secure your funding?
Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.