# DBU Environmental Project Funding (Germany)

## Overview
DBU provides grants for innovative environmental projects by SMEs, research institutes, and organizations, with strategic focus on circular economy.

## Managing Body
Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (German Federal Environmental Foundation)

## Funding Type
Grants (and technical assistance) for innovative environmental projects

## Funding Amount
- €125k–€200k for businesses (covering ~50% of project costs)
- Higher amounts possible for exceptional R&D
- Small and medium projects typically supported

## Deadlines
- Continuous application process
- No fixed deadline
- Proposals evaluated continuously

## Eligibility
- Primarily SMEs in Germany and applied research teams
- Focus on practical pilot projects and implementation-oriented R&D

## Thematic Focus
Strategic focus on Circular Economy through #DBUcirconomy initiative:
- Closing material loops
- Resource-efficient design
- Recycling and new circular business models
- Projects must be innovative, exemplary, and solution-oriented
- Environmental benefits (emissions reduction, waste avoidance)
- SME-research partnerships encouraged

## Relevance to City Resource Graph
- Circular economy platform development
- Resource-efficient industrial processes
- SME-research collaboration
- Environmental impact demonstration

## Links
- [DBU Circular Economy](https://www.dbu.de/en/topics/funding-initiatives/circular-economy/)
- [NSYS Group Overview](https://nsysgroup.com/blog/business-funding-in-germany-green-grants-and-loans/)

## Application Checklist

### Pre-Application Requirements
- [ ] Verify company eligibility:
  - [ ] **SME in Germany** (✅ Berlin eligible)
  - [ ] OR applied research team/research institute
- [ ] Confirm project is innovative environmental project
- [ ] Determine project type:
  - [ ] Business project (typically €125-200k covering ~50% costs)
  - [ ] Research project (higher amounts possible for exceptional R&D)
- [ ] Check alignment with #DBUcirconomy initiative
- [ ] Confirm project is practical pilot or implementation-oriented R&D

### Required Documents
- [ ] Company registration documents (German company)
- [ ] Proof of SME status (if applicable)
- [ ] Project description demonstrating innovation:
  - [ ] Environmental innovation focus
  - [ ] Circular economy relevance (closing material loops, resource efficiency)
  - [ ] Clear environmental benefits (emissions reduction, waste avoidance)
  - [ ] Practical implementation orientation
- [ ] Detailed budget breakdown
- [ ] Project timeline and milestones
- [ ] CVs of key team members
- [ ] Research partnership agreements (if applicable - encouraged)
- [ ] Environmental impact assessment
- [ ] Circular economy impact description
- [ ] Proof of innovation (patents, prototypes, preliminary results if available)
- [ ] Measurability plan (how environmental benefits will be measured)

### Application Steps
1. [ ] Review [DBU Circular Economy initiative](https://www.dbu.de/en/topics/funding-initiatives/circular-economy/)
2. [ ] Check DBU website for current application process
3. [ ] Prepare project proposal (continuous intake - no fixed deadline)
4. [ ] Submit application through DBU portal
5. [ ] Note evaluation timeline: continuous evaluation process
6. [ ] Plan submission timing (continuous allows flexibility)

### Project Alignment Checklist
- [ ] Project demonstrates innovative environmental approach
- [ ] Aligns with #DBUcirconomy initiative:
  - [ ] Closing material loops
  - [ ] Resource-efficient design
  - [ ] Recycling or new circular business models
- [ ] Shows clear environmental benefits (emissions, waste)
- [ ] Is innovative, exemplary, and solution-oriented
- [ ] Includes practical implementation focus
- [ ] Demonstrates circular economy relevance for industrial symbiosis

### Circular Economy Focus
- [ ] Emphasize circular economy impact explicitly
- [ ] Connect to industrial symbiosis applications
- [ ] Show resource efficiency improvements
- [ ] Demonstrate waste reduction/reuse/valorisation
- [ ] Include environmental benefits quantification
- [ ] Consider SME-research partnerships (encouraged)

### Post-Submission
- [ ] Save submission confirmation
- [ ] Monitor for evaluation timeline updates
- [ ] Prepare for potential follow-up questions
- [ ] Have additional documentation ready if requested

## Application Tips
- Emphasize environmental benefits and circular economy impact
- Include research partnerships for stronger applications
- Focus on practical implementation and measurability
- Continuous intake allows flexible planning
- **Perfect match for Berlin-based companies** - German SMEs eligible
- **Strategic focus on circular economy** - ideal for industrial symbiosis platforms