As a private research funding organization, we support researchers with creative ideas aimed at changing the world of science – something we have been doing for more than 60 years now. Our mission: We endow knowledge.

Visit our funding portfolio Who we are

We provide support in four profile areas

Pile of books

Understanding Research

Critically exploring and reflecting on the research system with a view to initiating positive change on areas such as career paths, governance, research and teaching.

Learn more
humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

Societal Transformations

Expanding knowledge about processes of transformation and developing possible courses of action together with stakeholders in civil society.

Learn more
Hand with compass

Exploration

Breaking into previously unexplored research territory with unconventional ideas and experimental approaches.

Learn more
Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

Learn more
Portrait einer Frau

ehrenwerk.tv für VolkswagenStiftung

How do we bring society around the table with AI research?

About Anika Kaiser and her research for a better dialogue between citizens and science

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Forum
  • With live stream

12 Aug 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Tierisch tödlich – wie gefährlich sind Zoonosen?

Learn more
Zu sehen sind zwei Petrischalen mit Zellkulturen, die gegen das Licht gehalten werden.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra

23 Aug 2025, 04:00 p.m. - 05:00 p.m.

Von Kutschen und König:innen - Vier königliche Prunk-Karossen aus dem Haus Hannover in Herrenhausen

Learn more
Gemälde auf der Seitentür des Staatswagens des Prince of Wales Georg (IV.) : die Geburt der Britannia als Geschöpf des Meeres

Newsroom

Das Foto zeigt mehrere nebeneinander liegende Hefte mit Aufdruck "status 2024"
Publication of the Foundation 27 June 2025

status 2024 – Annual report of the Volkswagen Foundation

In 2024, the Volkswagen Foundation approved 728,8 million euros for scientific projects. Figures, data and facts from our 2024 annual report.

Read article
Menschen, die miteinander diskutieren, im Vordergrund ein klassizistisches, helles Gebäude
In Brief 13 June 2025

Research meets politics and practice: Working together to combat loneliness

From 11 to 13 June 2025, around 150 participants from over 30 countries are meeting in Hanover for the first of two foundation-funded theme weeks on '(Tackling) Loneliness'.

Read article