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Funding for clubs

Funding opportunities for voluntary organisations and community involvement

Civic engagement is a cornerstone of community life in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. To support organisations and volunteers in their valuable work, this page provides information on various funding options, such as sponsorship, fundraising and public grants.

Here you will find an overview of funding schemes, databases, advisory services and important information on how to apply.


What you need to know about grants

Grants are financial contributions awarded by institutions rather than by private individuals or companies. There is a wide range of funding schemes specifically aimed at voluntary organisations in the field of civic engagement. Funding is provided by both public bodies (e.g. government departments, local authorities) and private organisations (e.g. foundations, social lotteries). Even smaller voluntary organisations have a good chance of securing financial support, provided they bear in mind a few important points.

Key principles when submitting an application:

  • Explain the purpose of the project: Funding organisations allocate funds in order to achieve their own statutory objectives. You should therefore provide a convincing description in your application of the contribution your project makes to society – whether in environmental protection, youth work or another area. Simply pointing out a lack of own funds is usually not sufficient as an argument.
  • Future projects: In principle, funding can only be applied for in respect of projects that have not yet begun. As a rule, reimbursement of expenses already incurred is not permitted.
  • Application procedure: Funding is awarded on the basis of a written application. There is no legal entitlement to funding. The relevant organisation makes its decision on the basis of the documents submitted.
  • Eligibility: Funding is generally awarded to associations or organisations recognised as being of charitable status. Individuals or informal groups are often not eligible to apply.
  • Check that the information is up to date: The funding landscape in Germany is constantly changing; new programmes are launched and old ones come to an end. It is therefore essential to check, before submitting any application, whether the information and guidelines provided are still up to date.


Researching funding opportunities: databases and directories

The first step towards securing funding is targeted research. There are a wide variety of databases and directories available to help you find the right funding scheme for your project – whether it’s in the fields of sport, culture, social affairs or environmental protection. A number of useful databases and free information resources are listed below.

Consultancy services for securing funding

  • German Foundation for Civic Engagement and Volunteering (DSEE)

    The DSEE offers free, personalised advice from specialist experts to volunteers and organisations. The range of topics covers not only financing and funding issues but also other areas such as legal matters. Anyone interested in requesting advice on funding can contact the central email address hallo@d-s-e-e.de.

    In addition, DSEE provides free educational videos (e.g. on the topic of ‘Funding and applications – from the initial idea to a successful project’) as well as regular online events and training courses.

  • Hesse Funding Guide

    The central point of contact for funding from the state, the federal government and the EU is the Funding Advisor at the Hessian Ministry of the Interior and Sport is available to assist. The service is aimed at local authorities, clubs, associations and businesses. The range of topics covered includes, for example, funding for sports facilities and equipment, climate protection measures, digitalisation, tourism and cultural funding, as well as measures to improve accessibility.

  • Advice services provided by funding organisations

    Many funding organisations offer advice on their programmes themselves. It is therefore advisable to get in touch with the relevant organisation before submitting a full application. Some organisations require a brief written preliminary enquiry. This initial contact – whether by telephone or in writing – should be well prepared. Find out in advance about the organisation’s funding objectives and criteria to check that your project is a good fit.

  • Advice services provided by umbrella organisations

    Umbrella organisations also frequently offer advisory services to their members. For example, the leading umbrella organisations in the voluntary welfare sector (e.g. Paritätischer, Diakonie, Caritas) have contact persons who can advise on funding opportunities. The same applies to other umbrella organisations, such as the regional sports associations. The scope of these services may vary. Members are therefore advised to check the specific support options available from their respective organisation.

Nationwide funding opportunities for voluntary work

Organisations operating nationwide may also be eligible to provide funding for local and smaller-scale projects. Many of these funding schemes cover a wide range of topics, such as social issues, socio-cultural initiatives, environmental protection or projects for young and older people. Below are a few examples:

  • German Foundation for Civic Engagement and Volunteering (DSEE)

    The DSEE awards direct grants under various programmes. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting projects in rural areas and in the field of digitalisation, although this is not always a prerequisite. New programmes with varying grant amounts are published on an ongoing basis.

  • Charity lotteries

    Several charity lotteries support a wide range of local projects based on a compelling idea:

    • The Postcode Lottery supports projects in the fields of environmental protection, equal opportunities and social justice (e.g. with grants of up to 30,000 euros).
    • The ‘Educational Opportunities’ Lottery supports smaller projects in the field of education covering a wide range of topics.
    • Smaller organisations can also submit applications to Aktion Mensch, particularly if their projects focus on the inclusion of people with disabilities.

  • Incentive awards

    One example is the ‘Helfende Hand’ Award, which recognises the voluntary work of individuals, groups or organisations in the field of civil protection.

  • Charities and relief funds

    Numerous trusts and funds support projects with specific thematic focuses. Grants are often available for purchases and building works, sometimes running into five-figure sums.

    Focus: Children and young people

    • Bild hilft e. V. (A Heart for Children) and Tribute to Bambi (Burda) support projects for children and young people.
    • The IKEA Foundation is committed to improving the living conditions and quality of life of children and young people, in particular by supporting relevant organisations.
    • The Doris Wuppermann Foundation awards grants of up to €5,000 for political projects run by children and young people (e.g. promoting political participation, anti-racism work).
    • Through its thematic fund, the German Children’s Aid Organisation supports projects relating to children’s policy, children’s culture or media literacy with grants of up to €10,000. The ‘Jugend hilft!’ fund supports projects initiated by children and young people themselves with grants of up to €2,500.


    Focus: Democracy, diversity and human rights

    • The Bewegungsstiftung supports campaigns and new initiatives in the fields of ecology, peace and human rights (up to €15,000).
    • The Sebastian Cobler Foundation supports projects aimed at strengthening fundamental rights and equality (€1,000 to €3,000).
    • The Foundation for Sites of German Democratic History funds projects relating to the culture of remembrance (up to €10,000).
    • The Hertie Foundation’s Fund against Anti-Semitism supports initiatives aimed at raising awareness and prevention.
    • The Amadeu Antonio Foundation supports projects combating right-wing extremism, racism and anti-Semitism (up to €2,500, with no fixed deadlines).
    • The Momon Foundation supports initiatives that take a critical look at social inequalities (up to €5,000).
    • The Deutsche Bahn Foundation supports projects promoting democratic dialogue and shared responsibility (as at 2025).


    Focus: Culture, education and socio-cultural issues

    • The Erhard Friedrich Foundation offers funding opportunities for the arts, education and science across a range of organisations.
    • The Töpfer Foundation supports projects in the fields of culture, the arts and remembrance (up to €5,000).
    • The Socio-Cultural Fund supports projects with a socio-political focus that involve the active participation of members of the public (grant amounts vary).


    Focus: Integration

    • The House of Resources Frankfurt offers advice, as well as financial and technical support, to migrant organisations.

  • State Office for Queer Youth Work

    The State Office for Queer Youth Work in Hesse provides information, advice and support to professionals, organisations and initiatives involved in child and youth work. Its aim is to strengthen queer youth work at a structural level and to promote acceptance of diversity, particularly in rural areas. Its services include counselling, training, networking and the provision of resources and practical ideas for the field.

How to apply for funding: Important information

The basis for receiving funding is the submission of a written application. As most organisations receive more applications than they have funds available, the quality of your application is of crucial importance. A carefully prepared and complete application significantly increases your chances of success.

  • Time management

    Allow plenty of time for the application process. The processing times at funding organisations can take several months. Projects due to start in just a few weeks’ time cannot therefore usually be considered. Some organisations also have fixed submission deadlines. As a rule of thumb, allow for a lead time of around six months.

  • Requirements and support

    In particular, smaller funding applications under local programmes are often easy to manage, even for those with no prior experience. However, if you need help using digital application portals, understanding guidelines or drafting texts, it is advisable to make use of the advisory services mentioned above.

  • Compliance with formalities

    Funding bodies take compliance with formal criteria seriously. Applications that do not comply with the funding rules or are missing required supporting documents (e.g. the association’s articles of association) must generally be rejected – regardless of the quality of the project proposal.

    Although experience shows that dealing with applications and guidelines is time-consuming, a conscientious approach can yield considerable success. Anyone who acquires the necessary knowledge and devotes the required time to securing funding can successfully raise funding in the five- or six-figure range.

  • Further resources

Funding opportunities in Waldeck-Frankenberg and Hesse

When looking for funding opportunities, it is advisable to start by checking what is available in your own region. Local funding organisations often focus on supporting voluntary initiatives and projects in the local area.

  • Regional and national funding schemes

    • Sparkassenstiftung Waldeck-Frankenberg: The foundation supports charitable projects within the Sparkasse’s catchment area.
    • Sparkasse Waldeck-Frankenberg: Under the slogan ‘Working together for greater sustainability in our region’, projects and organisations in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district are being supported with grants of up to €2,000 across various phases.
    • Waldeck-Frankenberg Network for Tolerance: The network provides funding of up to €5,000 for smaller projects in the areas of promoting democracy, preventing extremism and recognising diversity.
    • Hesse Demography Prize: With this prize, the Hesse State Chancellery recognises projects that address the challenges of demographic change in rural areas.
    • #deinehrenamt: Through this programme, the State Chancellery of Hesse provides funding of up to 15,000 euros for projects.
    • LandKulturPerlen: This programme supports cultural education projects in rural areas of Hesse. Eligible applicants include associations, individual artists, local authorities, private individuals and initiatives. The grant amount ranges from €1,000 to €2,000.
    • Regional budget for the Burgwald-Ederbergland LEADER region: The regional budget is used to fund initiatives aimed at strengthening local voluntary activities. In 2024, a total of €80,000 was available for this purpose.
    • #shapersofthefuture (#yourvolunteering): young people aged 27 and under can apply with a proposal for a voluntary project and, if successful, will receive training opportunities and a grant of 500 euros.
    • Lotto Hessen: The State of Hesse also provides funding for social projects and associations in Hesse. As the funding landscape can sometimes be complex, it is advisable to contact the relevant points of contact directly. One example is the support provided to clubs by the Hessian Ministry for Economic Affairs, Energy, Transport, Housing and Rural Affairs (HMWEVW). School support associations can also apply for lottery funds for sporting, cultural or social projects.
    • Bringing people together at a local level: The Änderwerk programme supports projects that actively shape and strengthen community spirit. Funding ranges from 5,000 to 12,000 euros for a period of 6 to 12 months.
    • Sports funding: Those involved in the sports sector can find a range of funding programmes at the Hessian Ministry of the Interior and Sport. Member clubs of the Hessian State Sports Federation can also obtain information on sports-related funding programmes directly from the federation, such as the Club Support Fund or measures relating to climate protection and cost-saving initiatives. Further information on this is also available from the Specialist Service for Sport and Youth Work.