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

Bücherstapel

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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Androiden-Kopf mit technischen Geräten statt des Gehirns

Societal Transformations

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

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Kompass

Exploration

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

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hölzerner Schach-Springer (Pferd)

zukunft.niedersachsen

Funding program for top-level research in Lower Saxony.

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Portrait eines Mannes

ehrenwerk.tv für VolkswagenStiftung

Story

Brain meets chip: hybrid computers made of nerves and fibre optics

Read the article featuring a video profile of experimental physicist Wolfram Pernice

Events

  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Thu, 11 Jun 2026, 9:30 a.m. to Fri, 12 Jun 2026, 4:30 p.m.

Status symposium “Towards Circularity 2026”

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  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

Tue, 16 Jun 2026, 9:00 a.m. to Thu, 18 Jun 2026, 6:00 p.m.

Viral Pathogenesis and Immunity: From Molecular Discoveries to Therapeutics

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Newsroom

Handybildschirm zeigt den Mastodon-Account von stiftungen.social
News 04 May 2026

A sign of digital sovereignty: 16 foundations launch a joint Mastodon instance

The Volkswagen Foundation is one of a group of six founding foundations that have set up an own Mastodon instance, 'stiftungen.social'. Ten further foundations have already joined. 

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mehrere Würfel mit Symbolen, darunter einer mit der Aufschrift Fördermittel
News 27 April 2026

Funding Opportunity for Reviewers: Programme to Continue

Over the next three years at least, the Foundation’s reviewers will continue to be eligible to receive a grant of 10,000 euro by lottery. No application is required; participation is automatic upon undertaking the role of reviewer.

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Mastodon