Regional projects in focus: 75,000 euros for Wörth clubs and companies!

Regional projects in focus: 75,000 euros for Wörth clubs and companies!

The ILE Vorderer Bavarian Forest has announced that it will apply for the “regional budget” for the sixth time. The current call for funding applications runs until January 16, 2026. This is intended to support locally committed associations, municipalities, companies and private individuals in order to implement small regional projects.

Funding of around 75,000 euros is available for 2026. These funds are intended in particular to advance the development of the region through targeted projects. In the past five years, around 420,000 euros have already flowed into the region, with 17 projects being supported with funding in 2025 alone.

Details on how to apply

The projects must be implemented and billed by the end of September 2026. The funding rate is up to 80% of the total costs, but a maximum of 7,500 euros. It is important that the total costs of the projects do not exceed 20,000 euros and that the projects are anchored in the Integrated Rural Development Concept (ILEK).

Applications are checked for eligibility and evaluated by a selection committee. Eligible projects can include, for example, civic engagement, infrastructure measures and improving living conditions. However, no funding is granted for small projects with a funding requirement of less than 500 euros. A combination with other funding programs is permitted unless otherwise stated.

Selection criteria and contact information

The funded projects are selected based on certain criteria, including sustainability, regional importance, impact on tourism, environmental and climate protection and demographic aspects. Applications must be submitted in original to the ILE office, with the contact persons Lisa Betz (09482/9403-71, lisa.betz@ile-vbw.de ) and Martina Kulzer (09482/9403-75, martina.kulzer@ile-vbw.de ) be available.

For more detailed information, those interested can view the brochure on funding.

In the context of this funding, it is important to mention that the federal program for rural development and regional value creation (BULEplus) plays a central role. This program aims to develop rural regions as dynamic laboratories for the future and is embedded in the framework of the Rural Strengthening Strategy. Model projects that can serve as role models for rural development receive special support.

The Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMLEH) has set itself the task of creating equal living conditions in Germany and therefore supports numerous initiatives and competitions that promote rural development. This includes promoting ideas that offer outstanding solutions to challenges in rural areas.

All funding measures are evaluated and findings are communicated to ensure efficiency and impact. These programs are coordinated by the Rural Development Competence Center, which is part of the Federal Agency for Food and Agriculture.

A comprehensive overview of the goals and measures of the federal program can be found on the [BMLEH] website (https://www.bmleh.de/DE/themen/laendliche-regionen/foerderung-des-laendlichen-raumes/bundesprogramm-laendliche-entwicklung/bule-contente-ziel.html).