Funding

Urban community garden projects

Anstiftung provides funding for material costs associated with urban community garden projects across Germany.

Teaching materials for voluntary language courses

You can submit up to two applications, each for 500 euros per year, to the State of Rhineland-Palatinate for teaching materials.

'We for Tomorrow' Competition – Environment, Social Issues, Education

“We for Tomorrow” is an initiative by Union Investment and is awarding grants totalling 430,000 euros this year (2026) for projects in the fields of social welfare, education and the environment. Charitable associations and organisations are eligible to apply.

Special State Programme: ‘Strengthening Volunteering – Promoting Food Distribution – Supporting Those in Need’

The Rhineland-Palatinate Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Family and Youth’s regional programme supports voluntary work at food banks in Rhineland-Palatinate that assist people in need, providing grants of up to €2,000.

Foundation Award for Civic Engagement in Care

The LebensWerte Altenpflege Foundation awards its Foundation Prize for civic engagement, which carries a prize of 5,000 euros.

Shaping the future together

The PwC Foundation supports projects that help children and young people develop their cultural and values-based education. Project applications can be submitted throughout the year. The funding year is divided into two rounds of funding, with deadlines on 1 March and 1 September respectively.

'Faces for a Healthy Community 2026' competition

Through the ‘Faces for Healthy Coexistence’ competition, DAK-Gesundheit recognises exemplary projects that are committed to health promotion, prevention or care. We are looking for ideas that bring people together, strengthen social cohesion and make a positive contribution to society. Prize money totalling around 40,000 euros will be awarded at both state and federal level.

Closing date for entries: 15 September 2026

Innovatio Social Award 2026

The 2026 Innovatio Social Award recognises social projects that strengthen social cohesion, promote intergenerational harmony or champion socially just climate action. The award is open exclusively to projects run by faith-based organisations. We are looking for creative and forward-thinking approaches that break new ground and are already being put into practice.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026

The RWE Foundation supports projects in the field of child and youth welfare

The focus is on supporting children and young people, with an emphasis on promoting equal opportunities, overcoming social disadvantage, strengthening international and intercultural understanding, and improving social cohesion. Funding is available for projects with a minimum budget of €20,000.00.

euward10 – European Art Prize for Art Brut

With the euward10, the Augustinum Foundation honours artists working within the context of contemporary Art Brut. Three prize-winners will receive cash prizes, a catalogue of their work and the opportunity to exhibit their works at the Haus der Kunst in Munich.

Application deadline: 10 October 2026

Local sport and culture

Mit der Projektförderung „Sport und Kultur vor Ort" unterstützt Aktion Mensch inklusive Angebote in den Bereichen Sport, Musik, Theater und Kunst, die Menschen mit und ohne Behinderung zusammenbringen und Teilhabe ermöglichen. Zuschuss bis zu 50.000 € und eine Laufzeit bis zu 24 Monate.

Bewerbungsphase: 01.09. – 15.10.2026

Empowering young people! Project funding from Aktion Mensch

The “Empowering Young People” project funding scheme run by Aktion Mensch supports inclusive and participatory leisure activities that boost young people’s self-efficacy and enable them to contribute their own ideas and play an active role in shaping these activities. Grants of up to €300,000 and a project duration of up to 48 months.

Next application period: 1 September – 15 October 2026

Youth Engagement Competition: ‘Get involved – make a difference’

The ‘Get Involved – Make a Difference’ youth engagement competition, organised by the State Chancellery of Rhineland-Palatinate, supports young people who are committed to making a difference in turning their ideas into reality. Selected projects will receive a grant of 500 euros.

Application deadline: 23 October 2026

Democracy promotion programme “100 times 500 for Democracy”

The State Chancellery of Rhineland-Palatinate is awarding 100 grants of 500 euros each, with the aim of supporting voluntary activities that promote democracy in places where citizens learn and live, and of helping them to carry out their initiatives and projects.

BASF fördert Projekte in der Metropolregion Rhein-Neckar

Das gesellschaftliche Engagement der BASF unterstützt Projektein gemeinnützigen Vereinen oder Einrichtungen mit einer Förderung von bis zu 5.000 Euro.

Innovative ideas wanted: Funding from the KD-BANK Foundation

Every year, the KD-BANK FOUNDATION supports innovative projects run by church and diaconal organisations that tackle social challenges and break new ground. Funding ranges from 500 to 3,000 euros per project.

Application deadline: 15 December 2026

EU funding for cultural projects

Use the Funding Finder to find the right EU funding for project ideas in the cultural sector. Through this initiative, the Commissioner of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Media and the Federal Ministry of Housing, Art, Culture, Media and Sport aim to make EU funding opportunities more easily accessible to all sectors of the cultural and creative industries. All sectors are covered, from dance, theatre, circus, music, visual arts, literature, film, design, architecture, cultural heritage, museums, archives and media art to socio-cultural activities and cultural education.

Start-up and Young Talent Support from the LBBW Foundation

Do you have any collaborative projects with Mannheim? The LBBW Foundation supports projects in the fields of art and culture, nature and the environment, as well as education, training and further education. In line with the Foundation’s regional principle, its objectives are to be realised primarily in Baden-Württemberg.

Volunteering in youth work

This scheme, run by the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, is aimed at all (prospective) youth leaders and club officials. Volunteers and those in leadership roles within youth work are entitled to up to twelve days of unpaid special leave per year. For each working day of unpaid leave, a loss of earnings of up to 70 euros per day will be reimbursed upon application.

Ehrensache 2026 SWR Prize

SWR, in partnership with the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, honours people for their exceptional commitment. Throughout the year, they showcase volunteers, reporting on their outstanding achievements, their unpaid work and the people they help.

The highlight of the campaign is an awards ceremony broadcast on SWR television, during which volunteering awards are presented to outstanding individuals and their projects. Get your applications in!

Go International

Through its ‘Go International’ funding scheme, the Youth Sports Division of the Rhineland-Palatinate State Sports Federation supports international youth exchanges organised by sports clubs and associations. Projects that facilitate intercultural learning and broaden the personal horizons of young sportspeople are funded with up to 1,000 euros. The key criterion is that the exchange between the participating groups is organised on a partnership basis.

A Heart for Children

BILD hilft e.V. “Ein Herz für Kinder” supports children in need both in Germany and abroad.

As one of the very few charities, “Ein Herz für Kinder” also offers assistance on a case-by-case basis: seriously ill children who do not have health insurance are supported with life-saving operations.

Cultural grants for under-25s

The Socio-Cultural Fund is aimed at young people aged between 18 and 25 who are working independently on socio-cultural projects, and provides funding of up to 4,000 euros (20 per cent own contribution).

Fundraising campaign by Allianz Germany

Organisations can register via Haus des Stiftens and submit their project there for Allianz Deutschland’s “More regional than you think” funding programme.

Adalbert Zajadacz

This funding is aimed at initiatives and talented individuals in the fields of electrical trades, education, culture, the environment and social issues.

Incitement

Anstiftung carries out research and provides funding. Applications for funding may be submitted informally.

PfalzMetall Foundation

The PfalzMetall Foundation supports projects exclusively from the Palatinate in a variety of fields.

Ludwigshafen Lions Club

The Ludwigshafen Lions Club has already supported a number of projects in Ludwigshafen.

Promoting women in voluntary work

The Ministry for Family, Women, Culture and Integration provides grants for initiatives aimed at improving the conditions for women in voluntary work and supports training which, on the one hand, is useful for voluntary work and, on the other, can also improve women’s employment prospects. A 10 per cent contribution from the applicant is required. Applications must be submitted before the project begins.

"Stars of Sport" Club Competition

The Volksbanken and Raiffeisenbanken, together with the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB), are recognising sports clubs for their social commitment. The winners (bronze, silver and gold) will receive cash prizes. The competition is open to all sports clubs organised under the umbrella of the DOSB and located within the business area of VR Bank Rhein-Neckar eG.

"Together for Equivalence" funding programme

Through this programme, the state of Rhineland-Palatinate supports projects run by associations and initiatives that are committed to fostering a culture of equality and combating group-based hostility and discrimination.

Neighbourly help and online meet-ups

The state coordination centre “Living Well in Old Age” provides support to neighbourhood assistance schemes, community associations and social cooperatives for mutual aid during their start-up phase. Within this framework, start-up funding is available to cover the costs of initial equipment, public relations and events, as well as consultancy fees, in the form of a one-off grant of up to €5,000.

Deutsche Bahn supports: Volunteering? A matter of honour!

Through its ‘Ehrensache’ programme, Deutsche Bahn supports charitable projects in which Deutsche Bahn staff volunteer their time. Once a year, staff can apply to Ehrensache with a specific project and receive financial support. The funds are channelled directly to the charitable organisations and are used to support the project.

SWR supports projects for children and young people

SWR awards grants for children’s and youth projects based on criteria such as topicality, diversity of themes and a fair regional distribution. Funding is available in the form of emergency aid, multi-year support or grants for the one-off purchase of vehicles to reach children and young people in rural areas.

Crowdfunding #savinghelps

The Sparda-Bank Südwest e.V. Savings Lottery Association will double every donation of 5 euros or more, up to a maximum of 100 euros. Donations will be matched until the fundraising target is reached, up to a maximum of 5,000 euros per project. As of March 2026, the donation pot for Rhineland-Palatinate is still well stocked!

Project funding in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region

The Dietmar Hopp Foundation gGmbH supports projects in the fields of medicine, education, social welfare and youth sport in the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region and accepts funding applications from charitable organisations for this purpose.

Support for organisations for women and girls

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate supports organisations for women and girls in Rhineland-Palatinate that contribute to the equality of women and girls. Projects and initiatives are generally eligible for funding of up to 1,300 euros, whilst special and large-scale events, as well as initial equipment, are eligible for funding of up to 2,500 euros.

VR Bank for RheinNeckarHeroes

Every year, VR Bank Rhein-Neckar eG awards around 500,000 euros in donations and sponsorship funds to heroes and heroines from the Rhine-Neckar region. Support is provided for projects run by regional associations and charitable organisations that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Social, cultural, sporting and educational projects

The Lotto Rhineland-Palatinate Foundation provides grants of up to €1,000 to support social, cultural, sporting and educational projects in Rhineland-Palatinate. Applications can be submitted at any time.

Citizens’ Fund: ‘Learning, Strengthening and Living Democracy’

Whether or not you have previous experience of Franco-German relations or language skills, the call for applications from the Franco-German Citizens’ Fund is open to anyone who is engaged with the current challenges facing democracy and wishes to enrich their commitment through a Franco-German perspective. Funding of between 5,000 and 50,000 euros is available for this purpose.

Project funding from the Ludwigshafen Community Foundation

Upon application, the Ludwigshafen Community Foundation provides funding for projects run by independent and public organisations that are in line with the Foundation’s statutory objectives. Particular attention is paid to the needs of young people.

1,000 euros for children’s and young people’s rights

Through the ‘Megafonds – The Budget for Your Campaign Idea’, Terre des Hommes supports charitable projects planned and carried out by young people aged between 14 and 27. The theme of your project should be something that affects you directly. You can apply for up to 1,000 euros for your project.

"On Equal Terms" Fund

The Software AG Foundation’s initiative supports projects that bring together people with and without a refugee or migrant background – in an unbureaucratic manner, with up to 5,000 euros and plenty of scope for their own approaches.

Funding applications are open to community foundations from across Germany, which may submit applications for their own projects or on behalf of local partner organisations.

Climate Lottery tickets for climate protection projects

ClimaClic is a climate lottery that supports climate protection projects run by charitable organisations which actively protect the climate in the categories of nature and the countryside, the environment and resources, and education and research.

Project Funding for Culture, Education and Social Affairs

The Deutsche Bank Foundation supports projects that promote young talent, open up cultural experiences or facilitate dialogue between different social groups.

Child and youth support, reading promotion, swimming lessons, healthcare

The BBBank Foundation’s funding focuses primarily on the areas of child and youth welfare, education and training, and healthcare. In 2026, the Foundation will celebrate its 15th anniversary.

Otto's fundraising campaign

Up to 1,000 euros for your club through the online vote in Otto’s ‘Platz schaffen mit Herz’ campaign. Register for the next round.

For nature conservation and environmental protection

The Beatrice Nolte Foundation provides funding for material costs associated with projects in the fields of environmental protection, nature conservation, climate protection and animal welfare

Summer Reading Campaign

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate provides grants of between 200 and 800 euros towards the purchase of new books and media for the ‘Lesesommer RLP’ initiative.

Cultural projects across all disciplines

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate provides up to 2,000 euros for non-commercial cultural projects and events.

Project Funding for National Minorities

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate provides grants of up to 8,000 euros to support initiatives by associations in the fields of culture and the Romani language.

Youth projects for a sustainable future

Through the ‘Perlenfonds’, the Joachim Herz Foundation supports projects in which young people put their own ideas for a sustainable future into practice at their university, vocational college, school, in extracurricular learning environments or in their neighbourhood. Maximum grant amount: 25,000 euros.

Community cafés in integration work

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate provides infrastructure funding to support community cafés.

Environmental education using modern technology

The Audi Foundation for the Environment GmbH promotes the development of environmentally friendly technologies, the protection of the natural environment on which humans, animals and plants depend, and supports measures and activities aimed at environmental education. Applications may be submitted at any time of year and do not need to follow a specific format.

The Heidehof Foundation provides support in many areas

Charitable organisations or public-sector bodies may submit applications to the Heidehof Foundation. Before submitting an application, a preliminary enquiry must be made using an online form.

Projects to tackle child and youth poverty

The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Transformation and Digitalisation of Rhineland-Palatinate funds projects aimed at specifically improving the living conditions of socially and economically disadvantaged children and young people in Rhineland-Palatinate (from school age up to the age of 21), with up to 5,000 euros per project per year (10% own contribution).

Projects involving collaboration between businesses and organisations

Local projects that promote cooperation between businesses and charitable organisations are funded by the State Chancellery of Rhineland-Palatinate with up to 5,000 euros.

Fairständnis – against extremism and xenophobia

The state of Rhineland-Palatinate supports projects and initiatives run by organisations that promote democratic behaviour, tolerance and mutual understanding.

Training courses for volunteers working in the field of integration

Whether it’s further training, supervision or a specialist conference – the state of Rhineland-Palatinate supports the professional development of volunteers working in the field of integration.

Foundation of the former Stadtsparkasse Ludwigshafen on the Rhine

The foundation pursues charitable aims directly and awards grants twice a year to associations and initiatives in Ludwigshafen.

Social projects (staff costs, fees and material costs)

The German Television Lottery’s German Aid Foundation supports social projects and initiatives that have a positive and direct impact on community life in Germany and help to prevent or reduce social disadvantage. Up to 80 per cent of the total costs are covered.

Digitisation (staff costs, fees and operating costs)

The German Television Lottery’s German Aid Foundation supports social initiatives in the field of digitalisation that directly improve the living conditions of people who are disadvantaged or at risk of disadvantage for social or health-related reasons. A 20 per cent contribution from the applicant’s own funds (in cash) is required.

RTL supports projects in the field of child welfare

The RTL Foundation supports projects run by charitable organisations that directly and immediately benefit children and young people. The aim is to bring about a lasting improvement in the life prospects of children and young people in need. Applications for child welfare projects to be funded must be submitted by December of the current year. The projects to be funded are selected in the spring of the following year.

Inclusion and integration of children and young people

The BNP Paribas Foundation supports projects for children and young people who have to overcome obstacles and limitations in their personal lives – for example, due to social disadvantage, a disability, or a background of migration or displacement. The duration of a partnership is usually set at three to five years.

Civil society initiatives against racism

The Amadeu Antonio Foundation promotes, encourages and supports initiatives and projects that work to foster a democratic civil society and actively address the issues of right-wing extremism, racism and anti-Semitism. Applications can be made for up to 2,500 euros – and in exceptional cases, even more.

Funding from the Pfalzmetall Foundation

The Pfalzmetall Foundation supports a range of social initiatives run by schools, pupils and charitable organisations that have an impact in the Palatinate, including in Ludwigshafen.

Children Help Young People

Through its ‘Jugend hilft!’ initiative, the children’s charity Children for a Better World provides grants of up to 2,500 euros to support projects run by children and young people aged 6 to 21, whose aim is to help others through their own ideas.

Education and training projects

The ‘Zukunft bilden’ Foundation, established by Andrea and Markus Eisel, supports projects and initiatives in the field of education and upbringing that are in line with the foundation’s core principles – promoting independent learning, the free development of one’s own potential, and mindful upbringing. Projects can receive funding of up to 5,000 euros per year for a period of up to three years.

Biodiversity and Climate Action

Do you have an idea for protecting biodiversity? Or do you have an idea for climate action or for greater climate justice? The Young Impact Fund runs until 2028 and supports projects led by young people with grants of 300 euros each. The closing dates for submissions are 30 March, 30 July and 30 November each year.