Funding & Funding Applications
Funding can help you turn ideas into reality, launch projects or further develop existing initiatives. To give your application the best chance of success, your project should be clearly described:
What do you want to achieve? Who is the initiative aimed at? What impact do you hope to make?
On this page, you’ll find guidance on funding schemes, foundations, corporate partnerships and fundraising.
Plan ahead and search specifically
Funding schemes are a key component of financing. They can provide financial grants, in-kind support, advice or training.
It is important that you find out about them early on and look specifically for funding schemes that suit your project.
Many funding bodies look for ideas that are clearly described and offer recognisable added value for other people, the neighbourhood or the wider community.
A little preparation goes a long way:
- What is the aim of your project?
- Who will benefit from it?
- What costs are involved?
- What funds are you contributing yourselves?
- What impact do you hope to achieve?
- What deadlines and supporting documentation need to be taken into account?
The clearer these points are, the easier it will be for you to select suitable funding schemes and prepare applications.
Assessing funding opportunities effectively
There are many funding opportunities: public programmes, foundations, companies, competitions and nationwide funding schemes. They differ in terms of subject matter, target group, region, funding amount, deadlines and documentation requirements. It is therefore worth taking a close look at the eligibility criteria. Does your project really fit the programme? What documents are required? When must the application be submitted? And how will you later need to provide evidence of how the funds were used?
An overview helps you save time and select the most suitable funding routes.
Public funding schemes can provide vital support for community engagement. Depending on the scheme, they may, for example, fund projects in the fields of social welfare, education, health, climate, neighbourhood initiatives, culture or community participation.
The state capital, Stuttgart, alone currently offers around a dozen funding programmes. Which programme is suitable depends on the topic, the target group, the location and the planned implementation.
The funding database will be launched in November 2026
Support may also be available at district level. Please contact your local district office directly. District advisory councils can support local projects within the district using the district budget.
Charities support projects in various ways. It is important to pay close attention to their funding priorities and eligibility criteria. This will enable you to focus on suitable opportunities, save time and increase your chances of securing funding.
Possible forms of support include:
- Project funding for specific initiatives
- Start-up funding for new ideas
- In-kind support, equipment or materials
- Training, workshops or consultancy
- Awards and competitions with funding
The better your project aligns with the foundation’s aims, the more convincing your application will be.
Businesses can be strong partners in community engagement. Smaller businesses support local projects, for example, through donations in kind, services or expertise. Larger companies often actively seek out opportunities to fulfil their social responsibilities and strengthen the region.
Possible forms of support include:
- Donations: one-off or regular financial contributions
- Donations in kind: materials, technology or equipment
- Expertise: specialist support or services
- Employee engagement: campaign days, social days or joint initiatives
- Collaborations: long-term partnerships
- Sponsorship: financial support in exchange for visibility, for example at events
It can be particularly beneficial when both parties gain visibility: a joint project strengthens your commitment, publicises the impact of your work and can also be relevant for corporate communications.
Particular caution is required with sponsorship, as it can have tax implications. You should therefore check whether a sponsorship agreement is advisable or necessary.
Fundraising: Attracting targeted support
Fundraising is an important tool for securing funding for a project. It requires time, perseverance and good communication. However, it can pay off twice over: you not only secure financial resources, but also gain the support of people who believe in your idea. This is particularly valuable for long-term planning. If you regularly explain why support is needed and what it will make possible, you build trust.
Possible approaches include:
- Online or in-person fundraising campaigns
- Crowdfunding
- Supporting memberships
- Charity events
- Corporate partnerships
- Foundations and funding programmes
- Awards and competitions
- Inheritances or bequests
Further research and advisory services
There are many other organisations that can help you with finding funding, completing applications or developing your funding strategy. The following resources can provide you with further guidance.
Preparing a grant application properly
A good funding application begins long before you even pick up the form. Explain clearly what you plan to do, why the project is important and what impact you hope to achieve. Also, think about your budget, timetable, responsibilities and supporting documentation at an early stage. It is particularly important to manage funds responsibly: income and expenditure must be documented in a way that is easy to follow.
Find out more about donations, own funds and accounting
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