Heinz Sielmann Foundation - Biodiversity Conservation

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Enriched Foundation · Found: 2026-03-10 21:07

Major German foundation for biodiversity conservation. Manages nature reserves, funds habitat protection projects. Potential partner for coastal biodiversity initiatives.

Source: https://www.sielmann-stiftung.de/

Funding Details

Funder: Heinz Sielmann Stiftung
Funding Goal: Support of nature and biodiversity conservation projects in Germany, including habitat development and restoration, species protection, ecological research, environmental education, and public awareness for nature conservation.
Funding Amount: No fixed minimum or maximum; based on available annual budget
Deadline: Annual, four rounds: January 31, April 4, June 15, September 30 (periodic)
How to Apply: Online application via the foundation's website. Download guidelines and cost/finance template first. Applications reviewed per four annual rounds. Contact: foerderwesen@sielmann-stiftung.de, Anna Opfermann, Tel: +49 5527 914-244
Target Region: Germany (primarily); international only if relevant to German nature conservation
Contact: Anna Opfermann, Förderwesen & Drittmittelprojekte, Heinz Sielmann Stiftung, Gut Herbigshagen, Sielmann-Weg 1, 37115 Duderstadt. Tel: +49 5527 914-244. Email: foerderwesen@sielmann-stiftung.de
Official Page: https://www.sielmann-stiftung.de/natur-schuetzen/grundsaetze/projektfoerderung
Last Checked: 2026-03-15 13:20

Application Checklist

Eligibility

Applicant must be a formally recognised non-profit body (gemeinnützig) with seat in Germany

Project Scope

Project must contribute to biodiversity conservation or nature protection in Germany
International projects only if directly linked to German nature conservation

Required Documents

Submit cost/finance plan template from the foundation's website

Constraints

No mandatory own contribution required; optional own funds may strengthen application
Apply before one of the four annual deadlines: Jan 31, Apr 4, Jun 15, Sep 30
Technical environmental protection projects not eligible
Already-started projects not eligible

Summary

The Heinz Sielmann Foundation (Heinz Sielmann Stiftung) runs a nationwide project funding programme for nature and biodiversity conservation in Germany. The programme supports projects that directly or indirectly contribute to preserving biological diversity and protecting valuable habitats. Thematic priorities include: habitat development, restoration, conservation and management of ecologically valuable areas; biotope networking; specific species protection measures; environmental education projects sensitising the public to nature conservation; and scientific research on endangered species, habitats, and effective conservation measures. Eligible activities include land acquisition for nature conservation purposes, habitat maintenance and development measures, scientific monitoring of flora and fauna, preparation of conservation planning documents, and species assistance programmes. Both personnel and material costs are eligible. Geographic scope is Germany. International projects are only eligible if the applicant is based in Germany and the project has direct relevance to domestic nature and environment themes. Eligible applicants must be formally recognised non-profit legal entities (gemeinnützige Körperschaften) with a registered seat in Germany. This includes non-profit associations, foundations, universities, and municipalities. For-profit bodies are excluded. No mandatory co-funding or own contribution required, though own contribution can be viewed positively. The application process runs across four annual rounds. Submission deadlines for 2026 are: 31 January, 4 April, 15 June, and 30 September. Neither a fixed minimum nor a maximum grant amount is stated; amounts depend on the annual budget. Grantees must report annually on multi-year projects and submit a final financial and narrative report.

Historical Context

Long-running programme with four annual application rounds per year. Funds both personnel and material costs. Previous grant rounds documented on the foundation website under 'Förderprojekte'.

Why it was added

DE round 6 - Large German biodiversity foundation

Sources

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