Funding criteria

1 Professionalism

It must be established that the project in question can be executed at an appropriate professional level of quality. This includes the participation of experts chosen from the field.

2 Multiplier Effect 

The application must make clear whether the project will have a „multiplier" effect, through the training of instructors. for example, or through the publication of project results. 

3 Regionalization 

Projects applied for are judged by whether, and to what extent, they will create long-term regional support systems for the above-mentioned areas of promotion. 

4 Interdisciplinary Aspect 

For projects in the field of German Studies, as many related disciplines as feasible should be involved, i.e. teachers and students should be recruited, if possible, from other areas of study relevant to the German-speaking world. 

5 Relationship between Theory and Practice 

Proposals should make clear to what extent the project, on the one hand, will be oriented towards instruction and practice and, on the other, to what extent it will be based on available, established research. 

6 Cooperative Partnership 

At least one additional partner should participate in the planning and execution of the project. 

7 Partial Co-funding 

It must be demonstrated that the applicant and/or a third party shall contribute an appropriate sum (at least 20%) to the financing of the proposed project. 

8 Context 

The proposed project should fit into a recognizable context with other curricula and funding, as well as with other existing or planned projects. 

9 Continuity

It must be demonstrated that the proposed project is based on medium-range planning, so that it does not prove to be a one-time, potentially inconsequential effort. 

10 Innovation 

This criterion denotes that a project shall be judged by whether or not it enriches the promotional areas listed above through new and seminal results or experiences from the spheres of research and instruction. 

It is not always the case that all ten of the above-mentioned criteria shall be applied to each proposal. But the requirements of professionalism (1), multiplier effect (2), regionalization (3), and co-funding by the applicant or a third party (7) must be fulfilled.