Plan your funding carefully
A good idea often needs financial support. Anyone wishing to carry out a project, an initiative or a scheme should establish at an early stage what funds are required and where they can be obtained. Good financial planning helps you to carry out your plans reliably, assess risks more effectively and secure support. It shows what the money is needed for, what sources of income are available and who is responsible for the finances.
Income and expenditure
Funding starts with a clear overview. The more precisely you describe your project, the easier it will be to find suitable supporters, prepare grant applications or raise funds.
Important questions include, for example:
- What do you need the money for: a one-off payment, regular payments or long-term funding?
- What sources of income are possible?
- What expenses will you incur?
- Who will be responsible for the budget, accounting and supporting documents?
- How will you ensure transparency regarding the use of funds?
- What reserves do you need for unexpected situations?
Possible sources of income include, for example:
grants, donations, membership fees, sponsorship, crowdfunding, events, in-kind contributions or partnerships.
Typical expenses:
material costs, rent, travel expenses, insurance, fees, expense allowances, public relations or staff costs.
IMPORTANT: Accountability and transparency
Anyone who handles money has a responsibility. This is particularly true if you are collecting donations, receiving grants or working with public funds. You should therefore ensure that responsibilities are clearly defined, decisions are transparent and records are kept meticulously. If you have any tax or legal queries, you should seek professional advice.
An overview of funding options
There is no single ‘right’ way to secure funding. A viable solution often consists of several different components.
Which ones are suitable depends on your project, your legal form, your resources and your objectives.
Funding schemes can provide targeted support for projects. Charities often support specific themes, target groups or regions. Companies can contribute through financial support, in-kind donations, expertise or partnerships. Fundraising helps to
attract supporters and build long-term relationships.
Donations, voluntary contributions, joint purchases or shared premises can also make important contributions.
It is crucial that the funding fits your commitment and remains transparent.
Funding and grant applications
Funding schemes can provide a vital foundation for projects and initiatives. On this page, you’ll find out how to identify suitable funding opportunities, what funders look for, and which organisations can help.
Donations, own funds, balance sheet
Donations, in-kind contributions, reimbursement of expenses and expense allowances are part of everyday life for many organisations. On this subpage, you will find guidance on responsible handling, documentation and important tax-related issues.
In the funding database, you will find funding schemes that may be relevant to charitable organisations, initiatives and committed individuals in Stuttgart.
The Funding Database is currently under development and will be available from November 2026.
Collaboration and sharing resources
Funding does not always mean raising additional money. Sometimes it also helps to make better use of existing resources or to work together with others.
Collaboration can reduce expenditure and open up new opportunities. For example, several initiatives can jointly purchase materials, share premises or pool technical equipment. Joint events, shared public relations work or collaboration with local partners can also help to reduce costs.
For larger projects, it can make sense to organise tasks collectively. This includes, for example, administration, financial accounting, public relations or specialist support. In this way, organisations can benefit from one another and use existing funds more effectively.
Volunteers, too, often contribute valuable resources: time, experience, specialist knowledge, contacts or their own materials. These contributions should be highlighted and well documented, particularly if they are relevant to funding applications or the organisation’s own contribution.
Networking and cooperation
When you connect with others, you share experiences, overcome challenges more quickly and discover new perspectives. A network provides support and benefits from your contribution.
Spaces
Engagement needs spaces. Initiatives and organisations need places to meet, network and organise events. There are plenty of options for this in Stuttgart.
Step by step towards the right funding
Sustainable funding rarely comes about all at once. It often starts with an initial assessment:
What do you really need? What can you contribute yourselves? Which grants, donations or partnerships are best suited to your project?
Take the time to work this out. Good preparation makes grant applications easier, strengthens discussions with supporters and helps you set your initiative up for long-term success.
Get your bearings quickly
Here you’ll find the most important information for