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German Federal Foundation for the Environment

Overview

Principal Office: Germany

Key Words: environmental education and research, Central and Eastern Europe

Website: Link

The German Federal Foundation for the Environment (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, DBU) is among Europe’s largest foundations, and among the world’s largest environmental foundations. DBU’s mission is to promote model projects that protect the environment, with emphasis on small and medium enterprises.

Grant funding is for environmental technology, environmental research and nature conservation, environmental communication, and the protection of cultural heritage.

Most of DBU’s grants are for work in Germany, although the Foundation funds international projects with organizations in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. This refers to newer members of the European Union, as well as Russia (Kalingrad region), Ukraine (Lviv region), and the Balkan countries.
Grant Programs for Agriculture, Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources

International Projects in Europe. DBU’s international projects have the following themes:
  • Environmental education and communication in Central and Eastern Europe;
  • Energy and resource efficiency in small and medium enterprises;
  • Knowledge transfer on methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Environmental “greening” in the construction industry;
  • Sustainable production in agriculture and forestry;
  • Regional projects for management of the Danube River Basin;
  • Networking and information systems in support of environmental management; and
  • Historical gardens and plants in German and European culture.
DBU has funded about 300 international projects, and intends to expand this number in future years. About 60% of DBU’s international projects to date are in the theme of environmental education and communication.

Most grants are to German civil society organizations which manage partnerships with NGOs, associations, and clubs in Central and Eastern Europe.

APPLICATION:  Grant seekers can find an overview of the Foundation’s international activities (“Topics” → “International Activities”). This web page identifies the Foundation’s contact persons for inquiries about international collaboration.

About international projects and contacts. – Link
Geographical Distribution of Grant Activities in Developing Countries

Eastern Europe and Russia
Comments

Since 1991, DBU has financed more than 7,900 projects with total expenditure over €1.4 billion (all programs).

DBU’s website is available in German, and selected parts have been translated to English and the languages of Eastern and Baltic Europe.

The DBU funds a fellowships program to annually place about 60 to 80 professionals from Central and Eastern Europe with German partners. Most fellows are scientists and engineers, although the DBU also accepts applications from teachers, economists, lawyers, and other professions. -- Link

The Foundation offers contact information for its offices in Osnabrück. -- Link
Last Profile Review

January 2012

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