Future Regions in Lower Saxony – Projects

Future Regions in Lower Saxony – Projects is a funding program aimed at strengthening regional resilience and innovation capacity in the designated future regions of Lower Saxony. The program targets municipal authorities, independent cities, and other public institutions that have already received a legally binding decision from the EFRE and ESF+ administrative authority. The focus of the funding is on targeted thematic cooperation across administrative boundaries, supporting cooperative development and model projects in the fields of regional innovation capacity, low-carbon society, biodiversity, the transformation of the world of work, as well as other social and cultural areas. Funding is provided in the form of a grant, which depending on the regional category, is granted at 40% (more developed region – SER) up to 60% (transition region – ÜR) of eligible expenses for a limited period of 36 months.

The program supports both investment and non-investment measures and places particular emphasis on intensive inter-municipal cooperation. The participating regions are to optimally exploit regional potentials by involving economic and social partners, civil society actors, and research institutions, and to address regional challenges in terms of sustainable regional development. Applications must be submitted before the project starts via the customer portal of the Investment and Development Bank of Lower Saxony, whereby the steering group of the respective future region preliminarily assesses the project regarding its eligibility for funding, the feasibility of the future concept, and the involvement of regionally relevant actors. Administrative support, consulting, and financial management of the requested measures are ensured through specialized funding law advice – a clear advantage for all involved partners.

The funding conditions clearly differentiate between various types of expenses: personnel and material costs, expenses for public relations, as well as costs for expert opinions and project-related services can be funded, while funding-specific restrictions regarding interest on debt, land acquisition, and value-added tax must be observed. With a minimum investment volume of 100,000 euros per project (or 25,000 euros for preliminary studies and concepts), the program sets clear framework conditions to maximize the efficiency and impact of the funding. By supporting cooperative and action-oriented projects, the program makes a significant contribution to the long-term safeguarding of attractive living conditions throughout Lower Saxony and supports structural change as well as the development of resilient regional networks.