Grant

PROFI Impulse Funding Call #UpdateHamburg 2026

Call for proposals by IFB Hamburg for social innovation projects in Hamburg. Project outlines can be submitted until 29.03.2026, applications until 30.06.2026.

Environmental/Nature Protection Climate Action Social Social Cohesion/Democracy Health & Social Education

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

Application Deadline:
29.03. - 30.06.2026
Application level: Advanced
Region: Hamburg
Company size: SMEs and start-ups
Funding amount: up to €100,000 (individual project), up to €150,000 (cooperation)
Funding rate: 80% - 100%
Project duration: 12 months

Funding objective

Funding of measures and projects for the development and testing of innovative solutions to societal challenges of particular relevance to Hamburg.

Eligible expenses

  • Eligible expenditures according to the PROFI Impuls funding guidelines

Non-eligible expenses

  • Financing of ongoing regular operational services

Eligible to apply

  • Companies
  • Founders
  • Educational Institutions
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Public Institutions

Funding requirements

  • Registered office or place of business in Hamburg
  • Existence of at least 2 years
  • No application by the agricultural, fisheries, or export sector without cooperation

Documents required for application

  1. Project outline
  2. IFB application form including attachments
  3. Project description according to the guidelines for applicants

Evaluation criteria

  • Innovative content of the project
  • Impact orientation
  • Relevance for Hamburg

Description

The PROFI Impulse Funding Call #UpdateHamburg 2026 by IFB Hamburg is aimed at companies (SMEs, freelancers, social and impact enterprises), start-ups, universities and research institutions, as well as non-profit and public organizations based or operating in Hamburg. Funding is provided for innovative projects focused on the development and testing of tailored solutions for pressing societal challenges in the areas of environmental/nature conservation, climate protection, social issues, engagement for social cohesion/democracy, health, education, research & innovation, as well as energy efficiency & climate protection. The program offers a grant rate of 80% to 100% of eligible expenses and provides up to €100,000 per individual project or up to €150,000 for cooperative projects, with a duration of up to twelve months. Applications are evaluated based on their level of innovation, impact orientation, and relevance to Hamburg. A maximum project duration of two years and a verifiable project start only after approval are prerequisites.

Project ideas can be submitted in a sketch by March 29, 2026, which, after a positive initial review, will proceed to a detailed application submission by June 30, 2026. Required are a project sketch, the IFB application form with attachments, and a detailed project description according to the guidelines. IFB Hamburg offers a free consultation in advance to ensure the suitability of the documents. The shared goal is to strengthen Hamburg as a livable city by realizing impactful business models, products, processes, or services that address challenges within the defined overarching themes as exemplary solutions. Ongoing regular operational services as well as projects without a real presence in Hamburg or from the sectors of agriculture, fisheries, and export without local cooperation are not eligible for funding.

Start application →

Ready to secure your funding?

Register now and let our AI guide you through the application process – from eligibility check to finished application.