Transformational Knowledge on Democracies under Change – Transdisciplinary Perspectives

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VolkswagenStiftung

Important dates

  • Online Q&A: 28 April, 10 July and 18 August (10:00 a.m.)
  • Online Q&A for partners outside of academia: 26 May (01:00 p.m.)
  • 09 September 2025, 11:59 p.m. CET Deadline 'collaborative projects'
  • Networking workshop for collaborative projects: Jan. 28-30, 2026
  • Next deadline for 'taskforces' is expected for the 2nd half of 2026

This funding programme addresses transformation processes of democracies in times of multiple challenges and their social impact. Researchers and actors outside of academia work together to identify scientific questions, work on them and develop recommendations for action for relevant stakeholder groups in politics, business or civil society based on the research results.

  • area of research: humanities, cultural and social sciences (lead); cooperation with natural, life, data and technical sciences possible
  • type of funding: task forces, collaborative projects
  • target groups: inter- and intradisciplinary research groups with researchers and actors outside of academia, intl. participation possible
  • task forces up to 180,000 euros; collaborative projects up to 1,3 Mio euros
  • task forces: up to one year; collaborative projects: 4 to 5 years

28 Apr 2025, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Questions on our funding offer? Join one of our online Q&A sessions

Are you considering to apply for this scheme? In our online Q&A, we will give an introduction to the program and answer your questions. Registration is not required, please participate via the following link: 
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84647249187 (Meeting-ID: 846 4724 9187)
Please note: Zoom data protection notice (in German) (PDF, 127 KB)

Further online Q&As: 26 May 2025, 13:00 p.m. (for partners outside of academia); 10 July, 10:00 a.m.; 18 August, 10:00 a.m.

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What is funded?

The program is aimed at applicants from the humanities, cultural studies and social sciences, as well as (civil) society actors who would like to work together in transdisciplinary teams to exchange and address different ideas and questions on democracy in transition. With this program, the Foundation would like to promote the development of new perspectives on the transformation of democracy, taking into account not only the academic perspective but also the ideas and experiences of (civil) society partners. In addition to research, the program offers the opportunity to develop concrete recommendations, e.g. for politics, relevant social actors or the economy, and to contribute to the implementation of these recommendations.

The program consists of two funding lines:

Funding line 1) Task forces
The programme enables applications for so-called task forces, in which up to two researchers from different disciplines work together with partners from (civil) society within one year on a clearly defined question on acute challenges to democracy in Germany or at the EU level. The focus here is on publishing concrete recommendations for action in the form of policy papers or similar formats.

More information on funding line 1) 'task forces'

Next deadline for taskforces is expected for the 2nd half of 2026

Funding line 2) Collaborative projects
The funding programme is aimed at (possibly international) researchers who have completed a doctorate in the humanities, cultural and social sciences (lead) and their (possibly international) partners outside of academia (see below). Cooperation with (international) researchers from the natural, life, technical or data sciences is possible (co-PI).

The research groups consist of two to three researchers from different disciplines and two to three different actors outside of academia. Possible partners outside of academia include non-profit non-governmental organisations, representatives from authorities and/or government bodies, politicians, media representatives and representatives from the field of art and culture who deal with democratic processes. The foundation explicitly encourages the applicant teams to test new creative methods and, where necessary, to take scientific risks. As project results, the foundation expects both scientific publications and concrete recommendations for action in the form of position papers, manuals, tool kits or similar formats.

In both funding lines, an ongoing reflection on the transdisciplinary research process as well as a justification of the selection of partners and the composition of the project team is a central component.

Networking workshop for collaborative projects 2026 (in German)

The next networking workshop for researchers and actors from civil society organisations and institutions will take place from January 28 to 30, 2026 at the Xplanatorium in Hanover. The guidelines and deadline for applications is scheduled to be published in August 2025. With this event, the Foundation is particularly addressing people who have little or no experience in the field of transdisciplinary research and are looking for (new) partners to apply. This is a supplementary offer to facilitate the application process.

Information and registration

The guidelines and deadline for applications for the networking workshop is scheduled to be published in August 2025.

How to submit your application

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Submit application

Submit your application in electronic form via the funding platform.

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Step 05 / 06

Review/decision

The applications will be pre-evaluated in writing by a transdisciplinary expert committee. In a further selection step, the pre-selected applications are invited to participate in selection days (max. 3 persons/team; pitches, poster presentations and interviews).  

Check here for answers to general questions about our funding

FAQ for Applicants

Here you will find information on the eligibility to apply as well as the application process.

Can the Volkswagen Foundation fund my project?

Applications are only accepted within the framework of the current funding portfolio (also referred to as funding initiatives or funding programs). 

What type of projects are totally excluded from support?

The Foundation will not process applications falling under the following categories:

  • Supplements to travel costs or scholarships granted by third parties
  • Congresses
  • Printing costs not associated with projects supported by the Foundation
  • Acquisition, completion, or maintenance of collections or exhibitions
  • Construction and expansion of hospitals, retirement and nursing homes
  • Devices that serve therapy
  • Development and practical trials of research questions that have already been solved
  • Patent evaluation
  • Schools, preparatory courses and institutions of adult education, student residences
  • Start-up aid for scientific institutions with political, ideological or denominational ties
  • Across-the-board increases in base budgets or making up for budget shortfalls
  • Reimbursement of pre-financing granted elsewhere
  • For-profit purposes
  • Charitable purposes
  • Private individuals
Do I have to have a doctorate to apply?

Yes, all applicants must have completed their doctorate. In individual calls it may also be sufficient that they have already submitted their dissertation. The details of such an exception can be found in the guidelines of the corresponding call.

Do I already have to be employed at a German university/research institution at the time of application?

Lead applicants must be affiliated with a German university or research institution or attach a statement with their application in which the management of the university or research group confirms that it will employ them and take over the administration of the third-party funds if they are approved.

I work in a foundation or private company – am I eligible to apply?

Grants can only be awarded to universities or scientific institutions in Germany. However, applicants from institutions that are not eligible for funding can be involved in a project as cooperation partners.

I work abroad, can I still submit an application?

In principle, scientific institutions from abroad can submit an application for funding. Their applications must refer to a specific funding initiative and also contain details about the previously agreed cooperation with researchers in Germany. In many funding initiatives, the German scientific institution is required to take the lead.

I am currently already receiving other funding (ERC grant, Freigeist Fellowship, etc.). Can I still apply for funding from the Volkswagen Foundation?

In principle, yes. However, the application submitted to the Volkswagen Foundation must be clearly differentiated thematically from the already funded project.

My project was funded by the Volkswagen Foundation. Can I apply for funding for the follow-up project?

The Volkswagen Foundation does not fund projects that constitute continuations of projects it has funded in the past. It also does not step in where other funders discontinue funding.

Can multiple applications be submitted from the same institution?

In principle, yes. In some funding offers, a limit of one application per institution may be set. Corresponding conditions can be found in the guidelines of the respective call for proposals.

Can I submit multiple projects for the same deadline?

No.

Can I apply to other funding institutions with the same project in parallel?

Basically no.

Can I get a preliminary assessment of my research proposal?

Receiving such advice in advance of submitting an application is only possible with regard to the fit with the funding initiative. An assessment in respect of the subject matter of the application cannot be given, as this is part of the review process.

Where can I find an overview of projects previously funded by the Foundation?

   You can find a searchable list in our grants database.

Does the Foundation support me in my search for potential cooperation partners?

No.

How do I submit an application?

The guidelines of the respective call explain in detail the framework conditions and the formal requirements for submitting an application for each funding initiative and provide practical tips on submitting your application. If you have any further questions, the contact persons listed there will be happy to help. Applications are submitted online via the Foundation's Funding Platform.

What is eligible for funding?

The guidelines of the respective call for proposals specifies what is eligible for funding. Universities and universities for applied sciences can apply for 10 % overheads in most of the calls. For more information on overheads, see "Information on lump sum for overheads", which is provided in our download-section.

The Volkswagen Foundation only allocates funds for clearly determined purposes. Funds must not be used to relieve the base budget of an institution and thereby the actual funding body of the institution in question, such as the state. The funds may not be used to cover budget shortfalls or cause other funders to reduce their grants accordingly. Nor does the Foundation make funds available to other research-funding institutions for their general funding activities. 

Does the foundation support measures to improve equal opportunities?

The foundation supports equal opportunities and diversity in the science system. It enables the application for so-called equal opportunities funds as part of the regular application process for funding offers with a cut-off date of 1 January 2025 or later. All information can be found at equal opportunities funds.

What remuneration rates can I use when submitting an application?

Information on funding for personnel is provided in our download-section. 

Do I need to submit a data management plan?

If your project generates large amounts of data, the Foundation requires you to provide a data management plan (RTF) as an attachment to your application. This may also be included as a topic of the review. 

FAQ about the selection process
On what basis will my application be decided?

As a matter of principle, the Volkswagen Foundation involves expert reviewers in its decisions. They review submitted applications according to the criteria specified in the guidelines for the respective program (e.g., contribution to scientific knowledge, suitability of the candidates, feasibility of the project, etc.) and make a funding recommendation to the Board of Trustees of the Volkswagen Foundation. The Foundation maintains strict confidentiality with regard to the review process.

Who makes the final decision of approval?

The Foundation's Board of Trustees usually decides on applications at meetings held three times a year. With a binding "Code of Conduct" for the employees of the administrative office and the members of the Board of Trustees, the Foundation ensures that no person is involved in decision-making relating to any institution to which they belong or in whose committees they participate. The Secretary General of the Volkswagen Foundation is authorized to decide on projects with lower application volumes and submits reports on such decisions to the Board of Trustees. 

Why do I get such little feedback on my rejected application?

When designing application and review procedures, the Volkswagen Foundation must ensure that these procedures are as time- and cost-efficient as possible, both for applicants and for reviewers. Therefore, unlike other funding organizations, the Foundation rarely solicits individual reviews of applications. In most cases, applications are discussed at meetings of a review panel at which a funding recommendation is made. The main points of criticism are recorded in minutes; but these minutes cannot be shared with applicants, partly because of direct comparisons made with other applications evaluated in parallel. However, the Volkswagen Foundation does try to ensure that the scope of the feedback is commensurate with the effort required of the applicants. In the case of rejected outline proposals, therefore, no feedback can generally be expected, while at the end of whole selection procedures, some of which involve several stages, it may be possible to obtain more detailed feedback by telephone.

Can I resubmit a rejected application in a revised form?

No. However, the same lead applicant is welcome to submit a proposal on a new topic. If this is to be submitted in the same program, consultation with the appropriate program director is recommended to ensure that the topic is sufficiently distinguished from previously submitted proposals.

FAQ for grantees

Here you will find information about funding guidelines, calling for funds, progress reports, use of the foundations' logo and more. 

What funding guidelines must I abide by as a grantee of the Foundation?

The Volkswagen Foundation is a non-profit science funding organization under private law and, as such, must ensure that the granted funds are used economically and properly. By accepting the funding, you acknowledge the Funding Principles (see download-section). As a so-called grant recipient, you are responsible for ensuring that these principles, as well as any additional special conditions communicated, are brought to the attention of all those involved in the funded project and its implementation (e.g., project personnel, contractors, publishers, authors, editors, executing agencies) and that they are adhered to.

What applies to doctoral projects within the scope of my funded project?

The promotion of early career researchers is a high priority for the Volkswagen Foundation. In the document Notes on doctoral projects within the framework of funded projects (PDF, 26.5 KB) (in German) we have compiled accordant expectations and recommendations.

How important should ethical issues be in my research project?

The Foundation expects grantees to pay special attention to questions of scientific and research ethics in all subject areas. This already applies to the project conception as well as in particular to the actual implementation of the project. If ethically relevant aspects become manifest in the course of the research process, the grantees are requested to report these to the relevant ethics committee and to the Foundation. If possible and reasonable, the Foundation supports its grantees in organizing events that provide space to discuss ethically relevant aspects and questions with experts and colleagues in the field as well as with relevant social groups.

How do I receive the approved funds?

Together with the letter of approval, you will receive the calling for funds plan (RTF) to be completed and a corresponding appendix (RTF), which you must use to confirm in writing that you accept the Foundation’s funding principles. The approved funds will be transferred in due time to the account of the funded scientific institution in accordance with the needs-based call for funds initiated by you. 

Do I have to submit progress reports?

Progress reports must be submitted annually to show how the project is developing. The Notes on interim and final reports (PDF, 134.5 KB) will support you in writing the reports. All reports are uploaded to the Foundation's Funding Platform.

How do I have to prove how the funds are utilized?

At the end of the funding period – and possibly earlier in the case of long-running projects – the Foundation expects accounts detailing the utilization of the funds. Our FAQ-section "Proof of Utilisation" explains, among other things, when and in what form proof of utilization must be provided, as well as how to proceed with remaining funds in the project, and whether receipts must be sent in. Please use the template "statement of account", which we provide for download via our download section. 

What does the Foundation expect from me in terms of public relations for my project?

It is important to the Foundation that grantees make their results accessible, preferably in established scientific journals or monographs, in which they also refer to the support provided by the Volkswagen Foundation. In this context, please refer to our Open Science Policy (PDF, 459.7 KB), which we provide for download via our download section. In addition, we expect you to use suitable media to inform various sectors of the public about the funded projects. To this end, we ask you to cooperate constructively with the Communications Office of the Volkswagen Foundation.

Can I use the Volkswagen Foundation logo for posters or flyers, for example?

The Volkswagen Foundation logo may only be used in connection with the Foundation's funding activities, not for advertising purposes. All information and files can be found at Foundation Logos and Corporate Design.

What other offers can I benefit from as a Volkswagen Foundation grantee?

You can find additional offers under "Additional benefits and training".

Where can I find important documents to download? 

You can find important documents in our download section.

Info & documents for statement of account/proof of utilisation

Your research project funded by the Volkswagen Foundation has come to an end? Then it's time to submit the statement of account to us. We provide step-by-step instructions on how to do this under 'Statement of account: proof of utilisation'.

When do I have to submit my statement of account?

The foundation expects a final statement of account unsolicitedly and immediately after the end of each funding period. Intermediate statements of account are only requested if necessary and do not have to be submitted annually.

Contact

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