Funding Guidelines

Funding Principles
Effective as of June 23, 2026

The Finkelstein Foundation supports research initiatives and projects that shed light on historical responsibility, derive concrete impetus for democratic action in the present from this insight, and actively shape remembrance. 
Funding focuses on three areas: 
•    Remembrance
•    Research
•    Resilience
These three areas can operate independently, but they can also interlock and build upon one another:

Research generates knowledge → Remembrance makes it visible → Resilience translates it into attitudes and actions. 

Funding Areas and Impact Logic 

Research 
Objective: To uncover and analyze new sources, build knowledge and insights, and critically evaluate historical contexts 
Funding is provided for projects at universities, research institutes, and by independent historians on the following priority topics:  
•    Research on I.G. Farben and Nazi forced labor 
•    Analyses of the role of companies in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries during the Nazi era 
•    Investigation of the role of perpetrators and the experiences of victims 
Impact Goals: To compile reliable findings that, on the one hand, can be taken up by other researchers - for example, through publications in the academic community or through citations - and, on the other hand, can serve as a basis for addressing social and corporate responsibility. The latter includes, for example, the use of research findings in educational or commemorative formats, such as case studies, workshops, or events.
Geographic Focus: Europe, Israel, and the U.S.

Remembrance 
Objective: To make historical findings and biographies visible and tangible, and to shape remembrance and education in contemporary formats 
Funding is provided for projects aimed at young people and corporate employees that focus on the following topics:  
•    Nazi forced labor 
•    The history of I.G. Farben, as well as related biographies and local connections 
•    Jewish life and biographies with connections to Nazi history  
Impact goals: To translate history into concrete, tangible formats and anchor it in contemporary society. Examples of this include the successful acquisition of knowledge, participants’ in-depth engagement with the key topics, and making these topics visible at the local level.  
Geographic focus: global, but at or around Bayer AG company locations

Resilience 
Objective: To translate historical insights into democratic agencies and attitudes.
Funding is available for projects targeting people in professional settings - particularly company employees and executives, as well as vocational schools - on the following key topics: 
•    Strengthening democracy and a diverse society 
•    Strengthening resilience and the willingness to take action against antisemitism, racism, and discrimination, as well as strengthening Jewish communities 
•    Promoting democratic attitudes and values-based action 
Impact Goals: Developing the capacity to act in response to attacks on democracy and democratic values; preventing the relativization and denial of history; strengthening resilience; and empowering individuals to advocate for discriminated/marginalized groups. Examples include: acquiring knowledge and gaining a greater sense of confidence in addressing antisemitism, racism, and other forms of discrimination; carrying out activities to strengthen democratic values; applying what has been learned in everyday professional life; or changing professional structures to prevent such issues.  
Geographic Focus: Europe, Israel, and the U.S.

Linking funding areas 
Projects that integrate the areas of remembrance, research, and/or resilience are particularly eligible for funding. The following principles guide this approach:
•    Research findings are specifically translated into educational formats, such as case studies.
•    Insights are made accessible through images, examples, and stories and integrated into contemporary learning environments. 
•    Remembrance serves as the basis for value-oriented action in the present and future. 

Formal Criteria and Selection Process 
The Foundation pursues two approaches to project design: joint development and implementation through collaboration, or funding through financial support.  

Cooperation Partners and Eligible Applicants 
•    Nonprofit organizations 
•    Educational and research institutions 

The following are not eligible for funding 
•    One-time events 
•    Donations, sponsorships, and individual grants 
•    Projects outside the three funding areas 

Selection 
Projects and partners are selected based on the described themes, regions, impact goals, and target groups.  

Procedure for Applying for Funding (only within the specified timeframe) 
1.    Submission of a project outline including details on objectives, target groups, milestones, key topics, impact, and a financial plan
2.    Review based on the funding principles and impact logic
3.    Consultation with the advisory council or individual advisory council members, if necessary
4.    Decision based on available funding
5.    Rejection or approval, followed by coordination of the project details and, if necessary, revisions
6.    Signing of a funding agreement

Latest Updates
These funding principles were published on June 23, 2026, and form the basis for all future funding decisions. Funding for 2026 has already been allocated. Project outlines with ideas for 2027 can be submitted by July 31, 2026. We will decide on funding for these projects in the fall of 2026.

Process for a Request to Collaborate on a Joint Project (possible at any time)
1.    Initial contact with a preliminary outline of the idea
2.    Discussion by phone or in person
3.    Consultation with the advisory council or individual advisory council members, if necessary
4.    Rejection or approval, followed by coordination of content and formalities
5.    Conclusion of a cooperation and funding agreement

Please send all inquiries and project proposals to finkelstein.stiftung@bayer.com.