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 support

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
Caroline Augenstein

Julia Sellmann für VolkswagenStiftung

We really are capable of shaping the future in real terms.

More on Karoline Augensteins story: "Happy ending or apocalypse?"

Events

  • Public event
  • Herrenhäuser Gespräch
  • With live stream

May 23, 2024, 07:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Dresscode – über die soziale Bedeutung von Kleidung

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt den Oberkörper eines Mannes in Hemd und Sakko, der sich den Krawattenknoten festzieht. n
  • Expert meeting
  • Workshop

Jun. 03, 2024, 09:00 AM - Jun. 04, 2024, 12:30 PM

Workshop Science Communication

Learn more
Illustration mit drei Personen, zwei davon mit Megafon, eine Person hält sich die Hand ans Ohr, wie um besser zu hören.
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Jun. 10, 2024, 12:00 PM - Jun. 12, 2024, 02:00 PM

Final symposium of “Research and Higher Education in Central Asia and the Caucasus”

Learn more
Picture from one of the research projects within the funding initiative.

Newsroom

Funding offer 22. April 2024

Additional Funding for Science Communication

Current grantees of the Volkswagen Foundation can apply for additional support for innovative projects aimed at communicating science. Deadline for application is August 27, 2024, deadline for workshop registration is May 23, 2024.

Read article
Illu with two portraits, a microphone in the background
Interview 18. April 2024

Wanted: scientific frontrunners for "Pioneering Research - Exploring the Unknown Unknown"

The new call for proposals for "Pioneering Research - Exploring the Unknown Unknown" offers higher funding amounts and longer funding periods. Pavel Dutow and Theresa Greupner explain what has changed and who can apply. Application deadline for the program is Sept. 3, 2024.

Read article