Project Funding by the Citizens' and Energy Foundation Lichtenau/Westphalia

The project funding of the Citizens' and Energy Foundation Lichtenau/Westphalia is aimed at recognized non-profit associations, initiatives, institutions, as well as committed private individuals with a seat or connection to the city area of Lichtenau. The goal of the funding is to strengthen citizens' participation in the community and in the revenues from local wind turbines. Supported are projects that correspond to the foundation's statutory purposes, particularly in the areas of environmental and nature conservation, energy efficiency and climate protection, research and innovation, youth and elderly care, arts and culture, monument preservation, education, sports, integration, as well as civic engagement. The available funds are intended to realize local projects that provide sustainable impulses, promote social cohesion, and enrich cultural diversity.

Funding applications can be submitted continuously until the end of each quarter; the board decides on the allocation of grants quarterly, usually within the first six weeks of the following month. A prerequisite for approval, in addition to non-profit status, is that the project is based in Lichtenau or has a clear connection to the city, that the project has not yet started, and that it falls within one of the defined funding areas. Applicants must submit a completed funding application including the tax exemption certificate as well as cost estimates. In the evaluation, alignment with the foundation’s purposes, own funds or in-kind contributions, and completeness of the documents play a central role. A transparent presentation of project costs and outcomes as well as comprehensible documentation ensure a prompt decision and contribute to the successful implementation of the projects.