Foundations

Foundations are an important component in the promotion of science and research, as they often cover topics and areas that may be missing from the spectrum of common third-party funding at state, federal or EU level. Depending on the purpose of the foundation, they support, for example, research projects, (international) networking, scientific prizes or the (further) qualification of scientists, e.g. through grants or scholarships. 

There are a large number of foundations in Germany. Below you will find an exemplary selection of important foundations that promote research activities in engineering and/or economics:

• Bayerische Forschungsstiftung
  The Bavarian Research Foundation promotes research and development of future technologies in the key areas of life sciences, information and communication technology, microsystems technology, materials science, energy and the environment, mechatronics, nanotechnology, process and production technology.
   
• Volkswagenstiftung 
  The Volkswagen Foundation supports scientists from all disciplines, research infrastructures and (inter)national networking and co-operation.
   
• Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt
  Project funding (individual and co-operation projects) focuses on innovative, exemplary and solution-oriented projects in the fields of environmental technology, research and communication as well as the protection of natural and cultural assets, which contribute to the protection of the environment with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
   
• Klaus Tschira Stiftung
  The aim is to focus on promoting research, education and science communication in the fields of natural sciences, mathematics and computer science.

In addition to large and well-known foundations, there are also a large number of smaller foundations with often very clearly defined areas of support (for example, the Ingolstadt-based Ignaz-Kögler Foundation with its fellowship and summer camp programme for scientists from abroad). Here we recommend targeted research, e.g. via the foundation search of the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen or the foundation overview of the Deutsches Stiftungszentrum. 

Contact us for advice on your application and support during the application process.