VolkswagenStiftung is one of Germany’s largest science funders and focuses on strengthening research and higher education through bold, innovative, and often high-risk projects. It gives primarily to universities and research institutions in Germany, with a strong emphasis on early-career researchers, interdisciplinary collaboration, and projects that can reshape fields or the wider science system. Several programs also support humanities and social sciences, transatlantic academic mobility, and Lower Saxony-specific talent and capacity building.
Large strategic grants and fellowships, usually through competitive, program-specific calls rather than unsolicited proposals. Funding is often tied to deadlines, concept notes or sketches, and online info sessions; some programs provide substantial support such as up to €500,000 for structural experiments, while others fund fellowships, seed grants, or temporary professorships.
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Do not submit unsolicited proposals; apply only through announced program calls and watch for periodic deadlines and online office hours. Strong applications should clearly show novelty, risk-taking potential, interdisciplinary value, and institutional fit in Germany—especially for programs targeting early-career researchers, humanities/social sciences, or Lower Saxony-based collaborations.
Current and upcoming funding from VolkswagenStiftung that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: For outstanding scientists of all disciplines at universities and research institutions in Germany.
Deadline: 27. August 2026 Stichtag für Skizzen
Who can apply: Research projects in the humanities, cultural and social sciences with a connection to Lower Saxony.
Deadline: Stichtag: 15. Oktober 2026
Who can apply: Aimed at professors currently employed at U.S. universities in the humanities and social sciences; intended for people who wish to be active in both the USA and Germany at the same time.
Deadline: Antragstellung jederzeit möglich; Online-Sprechstunde für gastgebende Institutionen am 25. Juni 2026
Who can apply: Aimed at scientists near the end of the early career phase, up to a maximum of 10 years after completion of the doctorate.
Deadline: 01. Juni 2026
Who can apply: For researchers in Lower Saxony seeking start-up funding for innovative cooperative projects.
Deadline: 02. Juni 2026 Stichtag
Who can apply: Existing centers, institutes, or research foci for science studies at universities in Germany that have demonstrably become institutionalized in recent years and seek structural development.
Deadline: 23. Juni 2026 Stichtag
Who can apply: Professor:innen aus den Geistes- und Gesellschaftswissenschaften; nähere Bedingungen im Merkblatt.
Deadline: Stichtag: 18. November 2026 (im Listing angegeben).
Who can apply: Interdisziplinäre Tandems aus zwei Wissenschaftler:innen; Fachbeschränkung: Natur-, Lebens- und Technikwissenschaften (ausgenommen Medizin) für die genannte Runde.
Deadline: Nächster Stichtag voraussichtlich Anfang 2027 (kein konkretes Datum genannt).
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.