Apply for funding for individual projects of literary institutions and tasks in Germany

If you would like to realize an individual literary project of national importance, you can apply for a grant from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM) for your project under certain conditions.

Literary (individual) projects can receive funding from the BKM if they are of nationwide interest.

Examples:

• Projects relating to important German writers
• Projects in which nationwide participation is possible - for example reading promotion

As the applicant, you must explain why funding from the federal government rather than the federal state or local authority is appropriate.

You must also state the purpose and objectives of the project. The information will be checked around 3 months after completion of the project by means of a so-called performance review.

The purpose describes the specific activities that are financially supported with the grant. The objective describes the overarching goal pursued with the funding of the purpose (e.g. communicating the work of important female writers).

Objectives are, for example

• Number of visitors,
• number of publications or number of pages,
• Promotion of the measure on the website or in social media,
• Creation of own homepage,
• Exchange of experience with other organizations.

The BKM also pays particular attention to the ecological sustainability of projects. The BKM determines the sustainability of projects based on the following criteria, for example:

• Waste avoidance at events,
• print products made from 100% recycled paper,
• energy-optimized air conditioning and heating technology,
• Avoidance of postal communication,
• use of low-emission means of transportation.

As a rule, approved projects receive partial funding. Only in exceptional cases are the entire costs of a project covered.

A distinction is made between 3 types of funding for partial funding:

• Proportional financing: a certain proportion of the eligible expenditure is covered.
• Shortfall financing: covers the shortfall if the applicant is unable to cover the eligible expenditure with their own or third-party funds.

Fixed-amount funding: A fixed amount of the eligible expenditure is covered.

You must enclose the following documents with the funding application:

• Financing plan,
• authorization to deduct input tax, if applicable.

Applications can be submitted by

• cultural institutions;
• Companies, organizations, institutions;
• persons working in the field of literature.

Further requirements:

• You have not yet started the measure.
• Proper management is ensured.
• You can provide evidence of the use of the funds.
• The overall financing is secured.
• You are implementing the measure in Germany.

• Objection
• Appeal under administrative law, if applicable

Note: An objection must be submitted to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).

You can submit the application online to the BKM.

Apply for funding online:

• Go to the federal portal and complete the application form electronically.
  • You will need an electronic ID document for the online application, for example your ELSTER organization certificate.
• Upload the required documents as a file (in the file formats PDF, DOC, JPEG, PNG, maximum 10 megabytes per file) and send the application.

Further procedural steps:

• After an initial review of the application, you will receive feedback by email. You have the opportunity to correct any objections and to submit additional information, justifications and documents.
• The grant notification will be issued if your project meets all the necessary funding requirements.
• The BKM issues a decree and sends it to the Federal Office of Administration (BVA).
• The BVA checks the decree and issues the funding notification.
• The BKM informs the applicant about the intention and processing of the funding.

You will receive a written notification of funding from the BVA.

There are no costs.: Fee free of charge