Funding (Grants) from the Hessian Cultural Foundation

Since 1988, the Hessian Cultural Foundation has been supporting non-profit institutions throughout Hesse, particularly assisting museums, libraries, and archives with professional and collection-enhancing projects. Funding is provided for, among other things, scholarly research, the documentation and presentation of holdings, publications, and exhibition projects. Furthermore, the foundation enables the acquisition of outstanding artworks and cultural assets to enrich existing collections. With an overall funding rate between 33% and 50%, projects are co-financed either as one-third funding or to cover a shortfall. Over the past three decades, approximately 690 projects have been co-financed in this manner with around 46 million euros.

A prerequisite for a successful application is a written proposal submitted to the foundation’s board well in advance of the project start. Required documents include a detailed project description, a cost and financing plan (using the provided template), documentation materials, and—in the case of acquisitions—two independent expert reports and proof of clear provenance. The guidelines for applicants are available for download on the website. Since no supplementary funding is granted, it is advisable to prepare the documents thoroughly and comply with all formal requirements. Through this continuous support, the Hessian Cultural Foundation offers non-profit institutions in Hesse sustainable opportunities to scientifically process cultural heritage and present it to the public.