The Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. sees itself and its work primarily as an operational foundation, which initiates and carries out plans and programmes following its statutes (pdf file) to realize its aim. The foundation welcomes partnerships and cooperations. However, it does not, as a rule, support the projects of third parties. Therefore, the foundation does not have a formal application form.

Applications for grants will only be considered as an exception.

Mostly, this applies where plans of a third party contribute to the foundation’s programme and its aims. In that case the foundation’s board is in the position to accord individual grants that usually do not exceed Euro 5,000. A connection to the foundation’s programme and aims is essential. Experience shows that unifying projects in the fields of culture, Europe and nature conservancy, initiated and/or carried out through volunteer work, are considered as a priority. The foundation’s board pays special attention to the advancement of adolescents and young adults, especially in the examination of culture, education, science, history and social responsibility.

Excluded without exception from this kind of support are subventions for printing costs, book or film projects, covering holes in budgets of existing projects, resulting financing as well as support of institutions or subsidies for personnel costs.

To make a decision the foundation’s board needs informal but meaningful documents which give clear information about the project’s overall costs, the expected earnings including the expected support through third parties as well as the amount requested as a grant. The foundation will try to react to such inquiries within four weeks. Unsolicited documents will not be returned.