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

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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.

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Societal Transformations

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

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Exploration

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

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Schachfigur "Pferd"

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Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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ehrenwerk.tv für VolkswagenStiftung

How can the cultural perspective help to deal with the challenges of sinking cities?

Read the story about Hilke Berger project "Sinking Cities"

Events

  • Expert meeting
  • Hochschulpolitisches Werkstattgespräch

Mar. 21, 2025, 02:00 PM - Mar. 22, 2025, 03:00 PM

Hochschulen als Bollwerk der Demokratie

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Wegweiser Universität vor blauem Himmel
  • Expert meeting
  • Herrenhausen Conference

Apr. 09, 2025, 12:00 PM - Apr. 11, 2025, 02:00 PM

International Urban Health Summit

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Newsroom

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Event 19. March 2025

Live-Webinar on our funding portfolio

Twice a year - at the beginning of each semester in April and October - the Volkswagen Foundation offers a free, one-hour live webinar in English on the funding portfolio. The next webinar is scheduled for April 15, 2025, 10:30 to 11:30 am.

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Funding offer 17. March 2025

Researching Research: Summer Schools & Workshops

Funding is provided for workshops and summer schools that provide opportunities for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to acquire additional expertise, methodological skills, and knowledge of ways of working that are critical to the advancement of the research field. Deadline: October 30, 2025

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