ImPulsRuhr – Projects for a Region in Transition

Programme “ImPulsRuhr – Projects for a Region in Transition“

The first round of applications for the funding programme will start on 15 September 2025.

The Ruhr region is capable of change – it stands for structural, social, cultural, ecological, demographic and technological change like no other region. These changes have shaped and continue to shape life in the region in the past, present and future, presenting people with new challenges. At the same time, they open up opportunities to tap into previously unutilised potential and develop innovative solutions. This requires people and initiatives that actively shape this transformation.

With its new funding programme, ImPulsRuhr – Projects for a Region in Transition, the foundation supports projects that do just that. Funding is provided for new projects in all areas covered by the Krupp foundation’s statutes – science, education, art and culture, sport, health – that address specific needs for change and aim to shape the future. What matters is the innovation content, quality and impact of the project, as well as its relevance to the region. The Krupp Foundation is providing a total of 1.5 million euros for this purpose in two rounds of calls for proposals. The aim of the programme is to create space for new ideas, strengthen local potential and provide sustainable impetus for the people of the Ruhr region.

Information at a glanze

Funding areas
Science, History, Art and Culture, Sports, Health

Duration of submitted projects
max. 24 months

Application amount
€1,000 to €20,000, collaborative projects up to €30,000

Eligible applicants
non-profit organisations, associations and public institutions in the Ruhr area

Application deadlines
Call for applications I: 5 December 2025
Call for applications II: 18 September 2026

Applications can only be submitted via the online application portal.

What is being funded?

Only new project ideas that are implemented in cities or districts of the Regionalverband Ruhr (RVR) and describe a clearly defined project will be funded. Retroactive funding for projects already in progress is not possible.

The maximum project duration is two years from the date of approval. The project can be started immediately after approval.

Rasmus Nordholt-Frieling sits at a wired laptop in a laundromat in Essen. Two speakers stand behind him.

Five boys can be seen from behind carrying a soccer goal.

A chemical laboratory technician performing titration (quantitative analysis method)

Two boys are kneeling in front of a flower bed, raking.

Three girls sit behind each other in a rowboat at the jetty of a lake, ready to set off.

Who can submit an application?

Only non-profit organisations and associations as well as public institutions based in the Ruhr area are eligible to apply.

In order to fully exploit the potential of non-profit initiatives in the Ruhr area, institutions that have not yet received funding from the Krupp Foundation are particularly encouraged to apply. Up to 50% of the projects to be funded are earmarked for them.

Only one application per institution may be submitted per call for proposals. Universities may submit one application per institute, and welfare organisations may submit one application per member organisation or district/local association.

Collaborative projects between several eligible institutions are expressly encouraged.

What can be applied for?

Funding of between €1,000 and €20,000 can be applied for per project, or up to €30,000 in the case of collaborative projects. This may involve full or partial financing of the project. The foundation encourages cooperation with other non-profit organisations. It expects the applicant organisations to make an appropriate contribution in the form of financial participation or voluntary work hours.

All expenses necessary for the implementation of the project (personnel and material resources) are eligible for funding.

How can you submit a funding application?

Applications can be submitted in two rounds of calls for proposals.

Call for applications I: Mid-September to 5 December 2025
Information on the outcome of the selection process will be provided in March 2026.

Call for proposals II: Mid-June to 18 September 2026
Information on the outcome of the selection process will be provided in December 2026.

No reasons will be given for selection decisions. Institutions whose applications were rejected in the first call for proposals may only submit applications for a different project in the second round.

Applications can only be submitted via the Krupp Foundation’s online application portal. Before submitting your application, please check whether your project meets the general call criteria. Only complete application documents will be considered.

FAQ

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about the application process:

Online Application Portal

Applications for the funding programme must be submitted exclusively via the online application portal.

Contact

Maren Isabel Fritz

Krupp-Stiftung
Hügel 15
45133 Essen

E-Mail: foerderung@krupp-stiftung.de

Telefon: +49 (0)201 1884808