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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humanoider Kopf einer Maschine

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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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
  • Herrenhausen Conference

09 Apr 2025, 12:00 p.m. - 11 Apr 2025, 02:00 p.m.

International Urban Health Summit

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Signet of the Urban Health Summit
  • Expert meeting
  • Symposium

23 Apr 2025, 09:30 a.m. - 24 Apr 2025, 05:00 p.m.

Final Symposium "AI and the society of the future"

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Es ist ein weißer Roboterarm zu sehen, der ein blau leuchtendes Gehirnmodell hält.

Newsroom

Funding offer 20 March 2025

Democracies under Change: call for collaborative projects

The programme addresses transdisciplinary teams of researchers from the humanities, cultural or social sciences and partners outside of academia who jointly work on different ideas and issues relating to democracy in transition. Questions about the funding programme? Visit one of our online consultation hours. Deadline: 9 September 2025

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Tastatur, Kopfhörer, Block, Stift und Kaffeetasse
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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