Environmental Protection Funding of the German Federal Environmental Foundation
The German Federal Environmental Foundation (DBU) supports innovative, exemplary, and solution-oriented environmental protection projects nationwide. Project outlines and funding applications can be submitted at any time.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The DBU supports initiatives for environmental protection and promotes innovative, exemplary, and solution-oriented projects in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energies, resource efficiency, as well as nature and cultural heritage conservation. In particular, small and medium-sized enterprises are given preferential support.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Overhead surcharge
- Material costs
- External services
- Travel expenses
Non-eligible expenses
- Printing costs
- Travel cost subsidies
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Natural and legal persons under private and public law
- Distinction from the state of research and technology and character of further development
- Broad application under market conditions (model character)
- Achievement of new potentials for environmental relief
- Contribution to the preservation and restoration of the national natural heritage
Documents required for application
- Project outline (3–10 pages)
- Complete funding application (approx. 20 pages)
- Application instructions (PDF)
- Financial plan
- Proof of innovation and model character
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content of the project
- Model character
- Degree of environmental relief
- Practical relevance
Description
The environmental protection funding of the German Federal Environmental Foundation focuses on innovative, exemplary, and solution-oriented projects in environmental and nature conservation as well as in energy efficiency and renewable energies. Nationwide, projects from companies, educational institutions, public bodies, and private individuals can be supported, provided they clearly stand out from the current state of research and can be tested under market conditions. Special attention is given to small and medium-sized enterprises, with funding rates between 50% and 100% easing personnel costs, overhead surcharges, material and external services, as well as travel expenses. The aim is to achieve measurable environmental relief and contribute to the preservation of the national natural heritage.
Eligible applicants initially submit a project outline (3–10 pages); following a positive preliminary evaluation, a full funding application (approx. 20 pages) including a financing plan and evidence of innovation and model character is required. Printing costs and travel subsidies are not considered. Selection is based on the degree of innovation, model character, environmental relief, and practical relevance. With applications possible at any time and individual support from concept to completion, comprehensive professional and financial assistance is ensured.
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