The application is the basis for the funding decision.
This should plausibly present all key data, relevant information and cost and financing plans.
What and who we support
Projects in and for Westphalia-Lippe
Temporary projects
- all cultural disciplines: visual arts, theater, dance, music, film, literature and regional studies as well as for projects in museums and in the preservation of archives and monuments
- usually from 10,000 euros project funding
- usually as shortfall financing
Eligible applicants are:
- Legal entities
- that have proof of non-profit status (e.g. associations, foundations, gGmbHs, gUG)
- Corporations under public law
- e.g. cultural offices, cities and municipalities, churches
- not in the context of profit-oriented projects
What and who we do NOT support
- investment measures as well as construction, refurbishment and renovation measures
- Purchases
- Pure publication projects
- Generally no institutional funding
- No awarding of scholarships
- Private individuals
- commercially oriented projects
- No double funding, such as projects from the LWL Cultural Fund
Application documents
The complete application includes
- Application form
- Cost and financing plan
- attachments such as a detailed project description, timetable or similar, if applicable
- current notice from the tax office on the recognition or continuation of non-profit status
Cost and financing plan
- Comparison of all expected income and expenditure, showing the shortfall (= requested amount)
- List of all items and their costs (estimated value) arising from the implementation of the project
- List of all own contributions and resources, expected income from the project (e.g. admission revenue) and other third-party funding (intended, applied for and approved)
Fee floors
If freelance artists are involved in a project, since March 2025 they must be paid at least according to the lower fee limits.
The following calculation models can be used as a basis for calculating appropriate fees for professional artists(see definition of the German Cultural Council):
By signing the application form (as of March 2025) those responsible for the project assure that they will remunerate professional freelance artists appropriately, that they will use one of the current guidelines on lower fee limits and that they will make the basis for calculating the fee transparent in the cost and financing plan.
Funding priority "AI & Culture"
A theme year on artificial intelligence in culture is planned for 2028. The application deadlines for the new funding priority are August 31, 2026 and February 28, 2027.
The funding priority complements the general funding program of the LWL-Kulturstiftung. Projects without a thematic reference to AI & Culture can also be applied for within the specified deadlines.
Consulting services
In the meeting, project managers can present their idea and clarify questions on formal and cultural issues. The LWL-Kulturstiftung team does not advise on legal or technical issues.
Questions & Answers
Some possible questions about the application process, project implementation and communication are answered under FAQs, sorted by topic.
Contact person for general projects
- General foundation business & project consulting
- jonas.koch@lwl-kulturstiftung.de
- +49 251 591-5084
Contact for AI & Culture
- General foundation business & project consulting
- corinna.grundmann@lwl-kulturstiftung.de
- +49 251 591-7658
Deadlines and submission
Submission
- by e-mail (preferably)
- by post (the postmark is valid)
Contacts, downloads and FAQ
- General foundation business & project consulting
- corinna.grundmann@lwl-kulturstiftung.de
- +49 251 591-7658
- General foundation business & project consulting
- jonas.koch@lwl-kulturstiftung.de
- +49 251 591-5084
- Social Media
- lina.kumpmann@lwl-kulturstiftung.de
- +49 251 591-7591
- Press and public relations
- anja.tomasoni@lwl-kulturstiftung.de
- +49 251 591-6929
FAQ: Can I start the project before the funding decision?
No. This so-called early start of measures is generally not possible.
FAQ: Will I receive information during the decision-making process?
No. No information about the possible funding decision will be provided between the application and the decision of the Board of Trustees.
FAQ: Do I have to enclose proof of non-profit status with my application?
The application must clearly state that the project-supporting institution has a certificate of non-profit status or has applied for one (e.g. in the case of an association being founded). Proof is mandatory at the latest when the funding agreement is concluded.
FAQ: Can I submit an application as a municipal institution even if I do not have proof of non-profit status?
Yes, provided the project sponsor certifies that the project is not carried out as a commercial enterprise (BgA).
