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

11 Oct 2025, 11:00 a.m. - 01:00 p.m.

Starke Männer braucht das Land? Frauen zwischen Aufbruch und Rollback

Learn more
Zwei graue Zwerge blicken grimmig auf eine Gruppe bunter Gartenzwerge.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Late
  • With live stream

14 Oct 2025, 08:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Gerechtigkeit vs. Empathie? Ein neuer Blick auf ein demokratisches Strafrecht

Learn more
Das Bild zeigt die Referentin Prof. Dr. Susanne Beck mit einer Zeitung lesend und im Seesel sitzend.

Newsroom

Lostrommel mit Kugeln
News 02 October 2025

Night Science: Ten research tandems selected by lottery 

54 applications, ten funded tandems - and a lottery drum: with the Night Science funding programme, the Volkswagen Foundation is for the first time specifically supporting the creative beginnings of scientific projects.

Read article
Eine gezeichnete Frau Zwischen Papierstapeln, die in eine Cloud fliegen
News 01 October 2025

Research meets administration: finding practical solutions together

Administration without queues – this could be the outcome of Prof. Dr. Anna Maria Oberländer's 'Change!' project. Her goal: people-centred digital administration.

Read article