Illustration mit mehreren Personen, die Diversität zeigen soll
Funding offer

Equal opportunity funds

For calls with a cut-off date falling after January 1, 2025, researchers who submit applications for project funding can at the same time apply for funds to improve equal opportunities and diversity in their project. Such funds can be used for measures such as childcare, support for people with physical disabilities, awareness-raising workshops, and coaching.

In order to support equal opportunities and diversity in the research system, the Foundation now offers the possibility to apply for equal opportunity funds within the regular application process. Equal opportunity funds support measures that serve to compensate for disadvantages at an individual level and/or aim to strengthen diversity in the education and research system in general. 

Application procedure

Equal opportunity funds can only be applied for as part of a regular application process in initiatives with a cut-off date falling after 1 January 2025. Please note that it is not possible to apply for funding retrospectively. If approved, the lump sum can be used flexibly and as needed by the team over the duration of the project. Possible equal opportunity measures can range from childcare, technical aids for staff with physical disabilities, to the development of mentoring programmes.

For details, please refer to our info sheet 'Equal opportunity funds'. To apply, please use the template 'Equal opportunity funds'.

Contact

You can find contact persons for 'Equal opportunity funds' in the 'Information for applicants' for your initiative. 

For general enquiries about equal opportunities and diversity, please contact Dr. Nora Kottmann via kottmann@volkswagenstiftung.de or Dr. Tobias Schönwitz-Palm via schoenwitz@volkswagenstiftung.de.

bunte, aufeinandergestapelte Klötzchen

What does diversity mean for our funding activities?

In a concept paper (in German), the Volkswagen Foundation presents initial measures to contribute to greater diversity in the science system.

Positions paper on diversity (in German)