Foundations

Foundations make an important contribution to promoting science and research, particularly in areas that are not covered by standard funding programmes at state, federal or EU level. Depending on the foundation's purpose, they support research projects, scientific networking, scientific awards and the training of scientists, for example through grants or scholarships.
There are a large number of funding foundations in Germany. 

A selection of important institutions relevant to engineering and economics includes:

• Bayerische Forschungsstiftung
  Promotion of research and development in future technologies in areas such as life sciences, information and communication technology, microsystems technology, materials science, energy and the environment, mechatronics, nanotechnology, and process and production technology.
   
• Volkswagenstiftung 
  Promotion of science across all disciplines, including research infrastructures and national and international networking.
   
• Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt
  Support for innovative, exemplary projects in environmental technology, environmental research, environmental communication and the protection of natural and cultural assets, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
   
• Klaus Tschira Stiftung
  Promotion of research, education and science communication in the natural sciences, mathematics and computer science.

In addition to large foundations, there are numerous smaller institutions with clearly focused areas of support, such as the Ignaz-Kögler Foundation based in Ingolstadt, which offers fellowship and summer camp programmes for visiting scientists. Targeted research, for example using the foundation search function of the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen or the foundation overview of the Deutsches Stiftungszentrum, is recommended.

The Research and Transfer Office (StFT) offers advice on submitting applications and provides support throughout the application process.