Pearl Fund
Year-round funding of sustainability projects by young people at universities, schools, and in the neighborhood with up to €25,000 for projects lasting a maximum of three years.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Funding of projects in which young people implement their own ideas for a sustainable future – at universities, vocational schools, schools, non-formal learning locations, or in their neighborhoods – while acquiring green skills and strengthening engagement and participation in sustainability processes.
Non-eligible expenses
- Projects in the elementary 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
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Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Public law corporation or non-profit institution/initiative
- Processing via university or non-profit initiative for university projects
- Applications from schools via affiliated support associations
Documents required for application
- Checklist for funding applications
- Financial plan (template)
- Funding guidelines
Evaluation criteria
- Practical relevance of the projects
- Promotion of engagement and participation
- Conveying green skills
Description
The Perlenfonds of the Joachim Herz Foundation supports innovative sustainability projects by young people nationwide at universities, vocational schools, schools, and in the neighborhood. Public institutions and non-profit organizations can submit applications for project funding throughout the year. Projects with a clear practical application that impart green skills and strengthen engagement and participation in sustainability processes are funded. The funding amount is up to €25,000 per project duration of a maximum of 36 months. Bachelor’s and master’s students, vocational school students, apprentices, as well as secondary school students (levels I and II) develop prototypes for ecological innovations, implement social entrepreneurship ideas, or realize local initiatives to improve their neighborhoods. Measures that anchor sustainability in educational institutions and training companies, such as green offices or the analysis of sustainable potentials in companies, are also supported.
Funding requires the application to be submitted by a public-law institution or a non-profit organization. University projects must be processed through the university or a recognized initiative, school projects through affiliated support associations. Projects in the elementary and primary sectors, construction and building services measures, initial equipment of premises, student competitions, individual scholarships, as well as (party-)political or artistic projects are not eligible for funding. Decisions are made based on the criteria of practical application, funding impact, and green skills transfer. Applications can be submitted electronically throughout the year and are usually reviewed within eight to ten weeks.
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