Have my commitment promoted - but how?

Public funding means that the state (federal government), the federal states (such as the state of Berlin) or the local authorities (cities/districts) provide money and support for projects. This enables associations, groups or individuals to realise important ideas - for example in the areas of social affairs, culture or the environment.

There are often certain rules (funding conditions) as to how the money may be used. You have to submit an application and explain why the project is important. In this way, the funding helps to turn good ideas into reality.

You can find specific examples of public funding programmes in Berlin and nationwide **in the [Public funding programmes](#oeffentliche-foerderprogramme)** section below.

Foundations and private sponsors also support volunteer work - often with a specific focus. Some only support projects in the field of environmental education, for example, while others focus on integration or democracy development.

The conditions vary greatly: some foundations provide long-term support, others award prize money or support individual activities - for example as part of project funding.

Not all funding is intended for large projects - sometimes it's simply about the bare essentials: rooms for a meeting, materials for a campaign, technology for a volunteer office.

There are also special programmes for this. They support material costs (i.e. things that you need directly for your commitment), such as tools, craft materials, equipment or even room hire - particularly important for small initiatives without their own budget.

Microgrants (small, unbureaucratic funding amounts) are aimed specifically at small initiatives or new groups. They award smaller amounts - often less than 1,000 or 5,000 euros - with little bureaucratic effort.

Ideal for getting involved or for quickly realising an idea. The focus here is less on lengthy applications and more on simple procedures and unbureaucratic help.

Here you collect money directly from many supporters - often via websites where you can start fundraising campaigns. These can be small amounts from people who like your idea.

The advantage: you reach a lot of people and draw attention to your project at the same time. Sites like Startnext or Betterplace can help you do this.

With sponsorship, you work together with companies. They support your project with money or contributions in kind - for example with materials or technology.

In return, they are named as a sponsor, for example on your website, in social media or at events.

Many initiatives also bring in their own money - for example through membership fees, the sale of products or income from events.

These own funds (i.e. your own money that you contribute) show that you are involved - and are often a prerequisite for funding.