Grant

Project Funding by the LWL Cultural Foundation

The LWL Cultural Foundation supports supra-regional, cross-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary cultural projects in the Westphalia-Lippe region. Applications must be submitted twice a year by February 28 and August 31 (each by 11:59 PM).

Culture

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Grant criteria

Application Deadline:
28.02. - 31.08.2026
Application level: Advanced
Region: North Rhine-Westphalia
Only for non-profit organizations

Funding objective

The LWL Cultural Foundation supports cultural projects with a clear connection to Westphalia-Lippe in order to enrich the cultural offerings in the region, foster networking, and provide new impulses.

Eligible expenses

  • Personnel and freelance costs
  • Material costs
  • Travel expenses
  • Public relations costs

Non-eligible expenses

  • Capital measures (construction, renovation, refurbishment)
  • Purchases
  • Pure publication projects
  • Institutional permanent funds
  • Scholarships
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Eligible to apply

  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Foundations
  • Interest Groups and Other Associations
  • Public Institutions

Funding requirements

  • Registered office or project location in Westphalia-Lippe
  • Proof of non-profit status or corresponding application
  • Legal entity
  • Project type: cultural sectors (e.g. visual arts, theater, music)
  • Minimum amount: usually from €10,000
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Documents required for application

  1. Application form
  2. Cost and financing plan
  3. Detailed project description (attachment)
  4. Schedule
  5. Proof of non-profit status

Evaluation criteria

  • Regional relevance to Westphalia-Lippe
  • Cultural added value
  • Supra-regional orientation
  • Network character
  • Public impact and visibility

Description

The project funding of the LWL Cultural Foundation is aimed at non-profit legal entities such as associations, foundations, non-profit limited liability companies (gGmbH), or municipal institutions that are based in Westphalia-Lippe or carry out cultural projects there. Funding is provided for supra-regional, cross-disciplinary, and interdisciplinary initiatives in the fields of visual arts, theater, dance, music, film, literature, regional studies, museums, archives, and monument preservation. Applications must be submitted twice a year by February 28 (February 29 in leap years) and August 31 by 11:59 p.m. The minimum funding amount is generally €10,000, granted as deficit financing. A clear regional reference as well as a sustainable cultural added value and network character significantly contribute to approval.

Eligible expenses include personnel and fee costs, material and travel expenses, as well as public relations measures. Investment-related construction, renovation, or refurbishment measures, purely publication projects, acquisitions, institutional permanent funds, scholarships, and projects by private applicants are excluded. Application documents must include the completed application form, a detailed cost and financing plan, a comprehensive project description with a timeline, and proof of non-profit status. Evaluation criteria such as supra-regional orientation, public impact, and cooperative networks are considered in the advisory board procedure. Funding approval is granted after review of all documents, followed by the conclusion of a formal contract. With this support, the LWL Cultural Foundation sets impulses for cultural diversity and networking in Westphalia-Lippe.

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