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.

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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"

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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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

01 Jul 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Den Krebs überleben – neue Hoffnung dank innovativer Therapieansätze

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Zu sehen ist eine Krebszelle im Fadenkreuz.
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

02 Jul 2025, 09:30 a.m. - 04 Jul 2025, 02:30 p.m.

Themenwoche Gem/Einsamkeit

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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.

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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'.

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