Pearl Fund
The "Perlenfonds" of the Joachim Herz Foundation funds projects nationwide in which young people implement their own ideas for a sustainable future. Ongoing applications are possible.
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 Perlenfonds supports initiatives that promote the engagement and participation of young people in sustainability processes and impart practical skills for sustainable transformation, with projects being implemented that have a concrete application focus.
Non-eligible expenses
- Projects in the early childhood and primary education sector
- Equipment in the area of building services engineering and construction projects
- Initial furnishing of premises
- Participation in student competitions
- Scholarships for individuals
- Show more
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Legal entities under public law or non-profit legal entities under private law with headquarters in Germany
Documents required for application
- Project description (max. 5 pages)
- Financial plan (template)
- Proof of non-profit status (exemption notice)
- Online application fully completed
Evaluation criteria
- Initiative and commitment
- Quality and innovativeness of the project
- Application relevance and practical transfer
- Clarity of content and financial planning
- Sustainability aspects and transfer potential
Description
The Pearl Fund of the Joachim Herz Foundation supports projects nationwide in which young people independently develop and implement ideas for a sustainable future. Funded are practice-oriented initiatives in the fields of education for sustainable development, climate protection, and environmental and nature conservation, taking place at universities, vocational schools, secondary schools, or out-of-school learning venues. The focus is particularly on students in bachelor’s and master’s programs, vocational school students, apprentices, as well as pupils in lower and upper secondary education, with partial involvement of the general public possible. The initiative places great emphasis on innovative concepts with a clear practical application that strengthen the participants’ initiative and commitment and impart “green skills” for a sustainable transformation.
Eligible applicants are legal entities under public law and non-profit organizations based in Germany. The funding amount is up to 25,000 euros per project, which can be distributed over a maximum of 36 months. Excluded are projects in the elementary and primary sectors, construction projects, as well as scholarships for individuals or (party-)political and artistic purposes. For the application review, a project description (maximum five pages), a financial plan, and proof of non-profit status must be submitted. Funding decisions are based on criteria such as the quality and innovativeness of the project, clarity of content and financial planning, practical relevance, and transfer potential. Applications can be submitted online throughout the year and are usually processed within eight to ten weeks.
Ready to secure your funding?
Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.