Climate protection is a joint task

Environmental criteria in the application process

Sustainability is a thread that runs through everything.

The Foundation can only support activities to meet the climate action targets within the framework of its charitable purposes. Activities focussed purely on sustainability and climate action (like the renaturalisation of rivers or sustainable forestry management) do not fit into any of the purposes defined in the articles of the Possehl Foundation and so unfortunately cannot be funded. However, the Foundation can sponsor environmental sustainability measures in the context of projects that do conform to its articles of association (such as projects involving young people, social work, education, science, sport, culture, preservation of listed buildings, etc.)

It is not (yet) obligatory to mention aspects of environmental sustainability in funding applications to the Possehl Foundation. We would be pleased if they are taken into account and described from now on, however.Some basic questions for you to ask about your project may include:

What are the main environmental challenges and climate impacts of your project?
What possibilities do you see for keeping the climate impact of your project to a minimum?
What (additional) costs are incurred by including environmental measures in the operation of the project.

Climate action

Big organisations are faced with a different set of challenges than individuals and groups carrying out smaller, less complicated projects, which may only be intended to run for a limited period.

Every step we take brings us closer to our destination.

To reduce CO²e emissions, often known as our “carbon footprint”, requires action to be taken in the following areas:

Energy: e.g. using 100% electricity from renewables, LED lighting, insulation, solar panels
Resources: e.g. environmental and fair-trade standards for sourcing, use of biodegradable materials, water-saving devices
Waste: e.g. waste avoidance, waste sorting, recycling, sharing material, circular economy
Mobility: e.g. using public transport, bike parking spaces, electric vehicles, charging points, activities to raise awareness and educate employees/visitors
Measures to protect the environment and maintain biodiversity should also be considered when planning a project:

e.g. avoiding animal products, not using palm oil, partnerships with nature conservancy organisations, because the carbon footprint of agricultural products is enormous too.
There are currently many specific funding programmes available for sustainability projects: from the EU and at local, regional or federal government level in Germany. If you are thinking about applying to the Possehl Foundation for funding, you should also look into the availability of government grants and subsidies, especially for larger projects.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us!

^{* Source: German federal government | Key facts about climate change}