Project funding according to the funding principles of the RAG Foundation (Education, Science, Culture)

The RAG Foundation supports projects in the former hard coal mining regions of the Ruhr area, Saarland, and Ibbenbüren through its project funding in accordance with the funding principles of education, science, and culture. Approximately 35 million euros are available annually as grant funds. Funding is provided to non-profit organizations, public and private educational institutions, as well as companies that engage with topics related to hard coal mining. Projects should be designed to be long-term and sustainable, have a model or pilot character, and include a convincing evaluation and monitoring concept. A detailed annual financial plan is required for larger projects. Pure infrastructure measures are excluded. Selection is based on criteria such as thematic mining relevance, scalability, promotion of democracy, and the professional expertise of all project partners. Applications can be submitted at any time.

With a focus on children and young people from non-academic households, the Foundation particularly supports educational and further training measures while simultaneously strengthening research in old and post-mining areas. Cultural projects contribute to a vibrant culture of remembrance in the regions. Applications must include a detailed project description, an annual or project-duration-related financial plan, an evaluation and impact plan, as well as documentation of the participating partners and their qualifications. The funding aims to initiate innovative approaches that, if successful, can be transferred regionally or nationwide. In doing so, the RAG Foundation contributes to the long-term development of the former mining regions and opens up new perspectives for children, young people, and professionals.