Fördermittel: Articles, Best Practices and Expert Insights for Developers and Businesses

Funding covers grants and financial support for IT and digitalisation projects. Topics include available programmes, the application process and practical tips for getting your application approved.

We write for leaders and project managers who want to use public funding to lower the cost and risk of software and digitalisation projects.

Public funding can complement the financing of IT projects, but the German program landscape changes frequently.

Digital Jetzt ended on 31 December 2023, go-digital has ended, Digitalbonus.Niedersachsen-innovativ ended on 31 December 2025. And regular ZIM applications have been temporarily suspended since 7 July 2026.

Our articles explain which current KfW products or active German state programs may apply, what needs and deadlines to check.

And why the relevant primary rules must be reviewed before a project starts.

For firms in Germany we also cover active regional state-level programs. Their access and conditions depend on the company location, project and current call.

We do not state general funding rates without a current primary source. Our articles connect funding options to specific project types: app development, ERP rollouts, security measures and process automation.

For context on the digital projects that funding can support, see our Digitisation and Software Development categories.

Our Funding Consulting services page describes how we help find the right programs and support the application from start to finish.

Use these guides when you first explore Fördermittel or need to check a plan. The advice draws on software project experience since 2010.

Browse the category overview for related decisions. For a project-specific question, send the context through our software project contact page.