Applying
We support projects in the fields of journalism, art and social affairs. In addition, we award scholarships to young journalists once a year. You may apply for funding for journalistic or social projects at any time, provided that your proposal aligns with our respective funding priorities. Please contact us in advance by email or telephone for guidance on the application process.
Our arts funding follows a new approach: instead of issuing open calls, we work with defined funding priorities and reach out directly to potential partners. If your project aligns with these priorities, you are welcome to contact us by email or telephone. At irregular intervals, we also invite applications for our mentoring programme for gender equity in the arts, re:balance.
Applying for project funding
Step by step
Our aim is to make the application process as clear and resource-efficient as possible. The preliminary consultation is designed to minimise the time and effort required on your side.
1. Find out more: Please first consult our website for detailed information on the funding priorities and criteria in each of our funding areas. You will also find helpful information about our funding in the FAQ.
2. Arrange an application consultation: You would like to submit an application or are still unsure? Before you apply, we use the consultation to clarify whether your project aligns with our funding priorities. To arrange an appointment, please contact Sandra Knocke by telephone or email. You can find the contact details here.
3. Submit a brief project concept note: Following the consultation, you may be asked to send us a brief project outline (max. 1 page) summarising the content and objectives of your project as well as a rough financial overview.
4. Submit your application: If your project fits our funding priorities, you can submit your application via our digital application form.
Journalistic scholarships
In our journalism funding programme, we award scholarships to students and doctoral candidates pursuing a career in journalism. Applications are accepted during specific application periods, which we announce online in good time. At present, no applications can be submitted. Further information about the scholarship can be found here.
re:balance – Mentoring Programme
With re:balance – Gender Equity in the Arts, we support artists at a pivotal moment in their careers. The mentoring programme is aimed at individual artists (women as well as trans, inter and non-binary individuals) working in all artistic disciplines in Germany. Applications are accepted only during the designated application period, which we will announce online in advance.
Upcoming application deadlines
If you would like to be informed about upcoming application deadlines, we recommend subscribing to our newsletter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Sandra Knocke by telephone (+49 40 3007 2431) or email.
Frequently asked questions about the application process
- By when do I have to submit my grant application?
You can submit a grant application to us at any time. There are deadlines for applications in the field of art and for a journalistic scholarship. However, you can still submit your application here at any time; your application will be considered for the next submission period. - Where can I find the submission deadlines?
The deadlines for applications in the field of art and for journalism grants can be found on the page for the respective field of work. For all other areas there is no deadline. - How can I submit my application?
We prefer a submission via the application form on this page.
You can also send your application digitally to kontakt@rudolf-augstein-stiftung.de in the form of a single PDF file or by mail to Rudolf Augstein Foundation, Ericusspitze 1 D-20457 Hamburg. - In which language can I submit my application?
You can submit your application in German or English. - What length should my application be?
A good guideline for application length is between five and eight pages. However, the appropriate length of your application will depend on the content of your project and the length of the individual documents. - What is the maximum amount of project funding I can apply for?
There is no maximum application amount for project funding in the fields of journalism and social affairs. For the funding of art projects you may apply for a maximum of 10,000 euros. - What information must my grant application contain?
The minimum requirements for a grant application can be found here. - Is it a prerequisite that I already have offers from other organisations?
No. - Must I contribute from my own funds in order to receive a grant?
No. - How will I know when my application has been received?
Once we have received your application, you will receive confirmation of receipt by e-mail. If you have not heard from us within ten days of sending the application, please contact us.
- How does the selection process work? Who makes the decision about my application?
Our selection procedure consists of two stages. In the first stage, your application is reviewed by the foundation’s head office. If it meets the eligibility criteria, it is forwarded with the head office’s comments to the foundation’s board of directors. The board of directors makes the funding decisions jointly with the head office.
In order to ensure the greatest possible objectivity, each application is typically read and reviewed by three individuals. - How do I find out whether my application has been approved?
As a rule, we will inform you no later than twelve weeks after receipt of your application whether your project will be funded. The decision will be sent by e-mail. For art and journalism grant applications, we will contact you twelve weeks after the official submission deadline. - What happens after my application has been approved?
If your application has been approved, we will send you a written authorisation stating the exact amount of funding and the methods of payment. This authorisation has the force of a formal grant agreement.
We gladly receive updates during the implementation of the project—but first and foremost you should of course concentrate your efforts on the project itself. If there is a project presentation, we request a timely invitation.
After you have completed your project, we need a complete grant report and a fact report. More information can be found under Grant report and evaluation. - What should I do if there are changes to my project?
Please inform us promptly of any relevant changes to your project. Simply send us an informal e-mail. - My application was rejected. Can I reapply with another project?
Yes, you are welcome to do so. - My application was rejected. Can I reapply with the same project?
Yes, theoretically you can resubmit the same application. Please note, however, that this does not improve your chances of receiving funding. - My question isn’t listed here. Who can I contact?
We will be happy to help you personally. Simply send us an e-mail to kontakt@rudolf-augstein-stiftung.de or call us at +49 40 55 44 03 33. - Can I apply as an individual artist?
Yes. - Is it disadvantageous to apply for the maximum amount of 10,000 euros?
No, applying for the maximum grant amount is not a disadvantage. However, since we have received many more applications in recent years than we can fund, the maximum amount is rarely granted. Our funding rate is currently around 20 percent. - What do I need to consider when submitting a digital application?
Please bear in mind that your application may be printed out as part of the selection process. It is therefore advantageous to ensure that the submitted document is also easy to read in printed form and that all information that is important to you is easily accessible (e.g. shorten links using a URL shortener). By combining all documents into one file, you can ensure that your application is viewed in the order you intended. - What is the average amount approved for artistic project funding?
In the event of a positive funding decision, the average amount of funding granted is 5,000 euros per project. - What do I need to consider when submitting a digital application? Please bear in mind that your application may be printed out as part of the selection process. It is therefore advantageous to ensure that the submitted document is also easy to read in printed form and that all information that is important to you is easily accessible (e.g. shorten links using a URL shortener). By combining all documents into one file, you can ensure that your application is viewed in the order you intended.
- And if I still have questions?
If you still have questions after reading the eligibility criteria and FAQs, we are happy to help you by telephone. The consultation hours will take place from January 4th on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3 to 5 pm and Thursdays and Fridays from 11 am to 1 pm. The consultation is provided by Marina Contu: +49 40 3007 2453.
Application forms
Following the application consultation, you may submit your funding request using the relevant digital application form. There are currently no open calls for our re:balance mentoring programme or for the journalistic scholarship. As soon as new deadlines are set, we will announce them on our website and make the corresponding application forms available.
Application Form Journalism
Application Form Social Affairs
Application Form Art
Grant report and evaluation
Please submit a complete grant report no more than three months after you have completed your project supported by the Rudolf Augstein Foundation. This should contain the following:
1. A statement of account
- Comparison of estimated and actual expenditures and revenues
2. Documents demonstrating appropriation of funding
- For non-profit organisations: Tax receipt for the grant amount
- For individuals or other organisations: Copies of receipts totalling the grant amount
3. A substantive fact report
- Generally, you may present the report in a format of your choosing. However, please read our orientation guide.
4. A press review
5. Graphical material
- At least three meaningful photographs of your project at a printable resolution (300 dpi)
- If available, links to video or audio material