Project Funding of the Foundation for Environment and Development North Rhine-Westphalia

The project funding of the Stiftung Umwelt und Entwicklung Nordrhein-Westfalen supports non-profit associations, foundations, and public institutions in NRW in the implementation of environmental, climate, and nature conservation projects as well as development policy education and engagement for social cohesion in line with the Agenda 2030. Funding applications up to €10,000 can be submitted at any time; above this amount, four fixed deadlines per year apply. A positive eligibility check – including submission of statutes, annual financial statements, and tax exemption certificates – is a prerequisite for application. Up to 80% of eligible costs are funded, including personnel expenses, material costs, investments, voluntary services, travel expenses, and hospitality costs. Project durations of up to 36 months are possible, exceptionally longer. To ensure economical use of funds, the foundation requires documentation of all contract awards based on competitive principles, reviews travel expenses according to the state travel expense law, and recognizes flat-rate allowances for voluntary work as imputed costs. A flat-rate overhead allowance of 10% of the eligible total costs relieves grantees from administrative documentation.

Project sponsors receive practical support: A guideline explains award rules, reporting obligations, implementation requirements, and proof of use. For accounting, the foundation provides a digital project accounting tool that enables the creation of target-actual comparisons, receipt lists, and financial reports. Interim reports must be submitted annually for projects longer than 15 months, with final reports due three to six months after project completion. The foundation works in a results-oriented manner: applications and reports are aligned with defined impact indicators to make long-term changes in target groups visible. This clear funding structure promotes civic engagement in North Rhine-Westphalia and contributes to the dissemination of sustainable development concepts in education, consumption, and nature conservation.