BMI-Projektförderung

The BMI Project Funding program supports scientific research and cultural mediation projects related to the culture and history of Germans in Eastern Europe. The program is administered by the Federal Institute for Culture and History of Germans in Eastern Europe (BKGE) in Oldenburg and funded by the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BMI). Projects are funded under Section 96 of the Federal Expellees Act (BVFG) to research, preserve, and present the cultural heritage of Germans in regions such as Silesia, Pomerania, East and West Prussia, Bohemian Lands, Carpathian and Danube regions, the Baltic states, and Russia. The funding program operates through a competitive annual application process with a deadline of August 31st each year for projects beginning in the following calendar year. Two main categories are supported: Science (Wissenschaft) - which includes projects from history and politics, literature and language history, art and music history, and European ethnology - and Cultural Mediation (Kulturelle Vermittlung) - which supports projects in education, arts, literature, theater, music, and dance that serve to preserve and transmit historical and regional knowledge through cultural encounters and events. Funding is provided as project-based grants, typically as co-financing, with a requirement that at least 25% of eligible total expenses be covered by own funds or third-party funding. Grant amounts range from €10,000 to €100,000 per year per project, with a minimum of €5,000 for events and publications. Multi-year funding is possible for up to three years, subject to available budget resources. International cooperation, particularly with partners in Eastern Europe, is encouraged.