Guideline "Diversity Connects": Funding of Projects for Networking Interest Groups, Universities, and Research Institutions in the Field of Equal Opportunities and Diversity in Science and Research
Nationwide funding of networking projects between interest groups, universities, and research institutions to strengthen equal opportunities and diversity in science and research. Funding volume up to €50,000 per project, maximum duration 18 months. Submission of project outlines in three calls by 31.10.2025, 31.07.2026, and 30.04.2027 via easy-Online.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The guideline "Diversity Connects" of the BMFTR supports projects that advance networking and exchange between interest groups, universities, non-university research institutions, and other actors within the scientific system. The goal is to dismantle barriers, promote participation, strengthen diversity of perspectives, and thereby increase equal opportunities in science and research.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses/costs
- Fees for speakers
- Travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs up to the Travel Expenses Act
- Expenses for accessibility (sign language and spoken language interpreting, childcare)
- Consumables and office supplies
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Non-eligible expenses
- Construction measures, investments, and other facilities
- Standard hardware and software as basic equipment
- Personnel expenses for permanent staff
- Decoration at the event venue
- Internal organizational information services and self-presentations
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Foundations
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Legal entity under public or private law with headquarters in Germany
- Demonstrated diversity competence
- Project outline in electronic form via easy-Online
- Individuals not eligible to apply
Documents required for application
- Project outline (PDF, according to binding template)
- Funding application via easy-Online
- Proof of diversity competence
Evaluation criteria
- Relevance of the project with respect to the funding objective and purpose of the grant
- Quality of work and timeline plan
- Expertise and diversity competence of the project participants
- Content and methodological quality in the formal application
- Feasibility of the work program
- Cost-effectiveness of resource planning
- Sustainability of the exploitation plan
Description
The “Diversity Connects” guideline funds projects nationwide that network interest groups, universities, and non-university research institutions to strengthen equal opportunities and diversity of perspectives in science and research. Supported formats include conferences, workshops, or digital platforms that reduce barriers, facilitate participation, and professionalize anti-discrimination work. The initiative supports project ideas with up to €50,000 and a maximum duration of 18 months. Submission of a project outline takes place in three calls, each by 31.10.2025, 31.07.2026, and 30.04.2027, electronically via easy-Online.
Eligible to apply are legal entities under public and private law based in Germany—particularly universities, research institutions, student and civil society organizations, foundations, as well as educational providers with demonstrated diversity competence. Requirements include a project outline in PDF format (according to the binding template), a funding application via easy-Online, and proof of diversity competence; individuals are excluded. Funding covers 100% of eligible expenses such as personnel and fee costs, travel and accommodation expenses, accessibility costs (e.g., sign language and spoken language interpreting, childcare), consumables, room and equipment rentals, software licenses, as well as design and printing of event materials. Ineligible costs include, among others, construction measures, investments, standard hardware/software, permanent staff, decoration, and internal organizational presentations. Evaluation criteria are alignment with the funding objective, work and time planning, expertise and diversity competence of project participants, methodological quality, feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of utilization.