Promotion of New Intermunicipal Cooperation
Funding of new exemplary inter-municipal cooperation projects in North Rhine-Westphalia to strengthen municipal self-administration and increase efficiency. Applications can be submitted continuously until 31.12.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Promotion of new exemplary inter-municipal cooperation projects to strengthen municipal self-administration, to maintain municipal capacity for action, and to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of public action through inter-municipal cooperation.
Eligible expenses
- Consulting and moderation services by third parties
- Procurement of tangible assets and information and communication technology
- Project-related additional personnel expenses
- Services for cooperation preparation and implementation
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Registered office of the applicant or the participating corporations in North Rhine-Westphalia
- municipal territorial authorities or their associations in the legal form of public law entities
- no existing cooperation in the specific area of responsibility at the time of application
- resolution of the decision-making bodies of the participating municipalities or institutions
- permanent establishment of the inter-municipal cooperation for at least five years
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Documents required for application
- Project description
- Cost and financing plan
- Committee resolutions including justification
- Detailed breakdown of expenditure and financing components with proof of efficiency or added value presentation
- List of other participants (if applicable)
Evaluation criteria
- Exemplary nature of inter-municipal cooperation
- Proof of an efficiency gain of at least 15% per annum or other significant added value
- Permanent establishment of the cooperation for at least five years
- Cost-effectiveness and economy of project expenses
Description
The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia supports exemplary inter-municipal cooperation projects that contribute to strengthening municipal self-administration and maintaining operational capability. Funding is provided to North Rhine-Westphalian cities, municipalities, districts, as well as their associations, including the companies and public institutions they operate, which jointly address new areas of responsibility. The funding is granted as a fixed-amount financing with a base funding of €175,000 for two participating municipalities, increasing by €35,000 for each additional North Rhine-Westphalian partner up to a funding rate of 90%. Applications can be submitted continuously until December 31, 2026, to the respective competent district government and cover the project phases from initiation through establishment to implementation.
Requirements include, among others, that all participants are based in North Rhine-Westphalia, the absence of an existing cooperation in the specific area of responsibility, resolutions from decision-making bodies, and a minimum duration of at least five years. Furthermore, the collaboration must demonstrate an efficiency gain of at least 15% per annum or another significant added value. Eligible expenses include external consulting and moderation expertise, acquisition of material and information technology, project-related additional personnel costs, as well as services for cooperation preparation and implementation. The application must include a precise project description, a cost and financing plan, resolutions from governing bodies, as well as a detailed breakdown of expenses and efficiency evidence. This initiative offers municipal representatives the opportunity to leverage synergies, reduce duplicate structures, and establish contract models with exemplary character.
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