Our Funding Portfolio

Mehrere Personen mit unterschiedlichen Gegenständen, z. B. Molekülmodell, Globus, Gehirnmodell, Geige

The Volkswagen Foundation is dedicated to the support of the humanities and social sciences as well as science and technology in higher education and research. It funds research projects in path-breaking areas and provides assistance to academic institutions for the improvement of the structural conditions for their work. 

We provide support in four profile areas

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
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
Schachfigur "Pferd"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

Learn more

Funding portfolio

We support future-oriented topics with our funding offers.

Area of research

Type of funding

Sort by:
  • 02 September 2025 Deadline
    15 to 17 April 2026: Theme Week

    Theme Week 'Multiple Crises – Strained Resources'

    Researchers at universities and research institutions in Germany (optionally with international co-applicants) can apply with their symposium. 

    Learn more
    • area of research: Economics (social and cultural science if applicable)
    • funding for: organization of a scientific symposium within a theme week from 15 to 17 April 2026
  • 05 August 2025 Online Q&A (in German)
    16 September 2025 Deadline

    Scoping Workshops

    The Volkswagen Foundation’s scoping workshops are for scientists who want to take a step beyond their current research activities and think about the future of their field of research.

    Learn more
    • area of research: all disciplines
    • type of funding: workshops at the conference center Xplanatorium Herrenhausen Palace, Hannover
  • 30 October 2025 Deadline

    Researching Research: Summer Schools & Workshops

    The program addresses scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds working on questions or topics relating to research on research.

    Learn more
    • area of research: disciplines conducting research on research
    • type of funding: summer schools and workshops

Completed 

Here you can find our previous funding offers.

Learn more
Frau mit Kescher läuft über eine Wiese

Funded projects

Our "Grants Database" informs on research projects and researchers who received funds by the Volkswagen Foundation (since 2004).

visit Grants database

More