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

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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

12 Aug 2025, 07:00 p.m. - 09:00 p.m.

Tierisch tödlich – wie gefährlich sind Zoonosen?

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Zu sehen sind zwei Petrischalen mit Zellkulturen, die gegen das Licht gehalten werden.
  • Public event
  • Herrenhausen Extra

23 Aug 2025, 04:00 p.m. - 05:00 p.m.

Von Kutschen und König:innen - Vier königliche Prunk-Karossen aus dem Haus Hannover in Herrenhausen

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Gemälde auf der Seitentür des Staatswagens des Prince of Wales Georg (IV.) : die Geburt der Britannia als Geschöpf des Meeres

Newsroom

Ein Pokal aus Glas steht auf einem Tisch.
News 31 July 2025

Women´s Impact Award 2025: Three winners nominated

Together with "Falling Walls Female Science Talents" and the Elsevier Foundation, the Volkswagen Foundation sponsors the Women's Impact Award. The shortlist of winners for 2025 has now been finalised - congratulations!

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Grafik mit jungen Menschen, die politische Botschaften auf einer Demonstration von sich geben.
News 29 July 2025

Focus on Democratic Change: Nine New Research Projects Receive Funding

The VolkswagenStiftung has granted approximately €1.6 million to support nine innovative projects addressing current democratic challenges: from digital deradicalisation strategies and democratic structural reforms to protecting museums from far-right attacks. These projects adopt transdisciplinary approaches with practical relevance. 

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