🇩🇪
Funding Calculator for IT Projects and Digitalization

Funding Calculator: IT Grants for Your Digitalization Project

Calculate in 4 steps which funding programs are available for your digitalization project. Free and non-binding.

In brief

Grant share in the funding calculator

Public grants for digitalisation projects are often 30–50% of eligible costs, depending on the current guideline. The calculator sorts programmes and does not promise an award.

Interactive Funding Calculator

Funding calculator

What funding is available to you?

Answer 4 short questions and find out which funding programs may apply to your IT project

As of 8 September 2026: Digital Now, go-digital and Digital Bonus Lower Saxony have ended. ZIM applications are temporarily suspended. Check availability and terms of active programmes with the official body before starting a project.

Step 1 of 425% complete
In which federal state is your company located?

How the funding calculator sorts a grant

The calculation follows six visible stages. All figures remain planning values until scope and assumptions have been reviewed.

  1. 1. Capture inputs

    The calculator records the visible project, volume, complexity and operating parameters selected on this page.

  2. 2. Add fixed components

    Fixed base modules and selected add-ons are added without mixing them with recurring charges.

  3. 3. Apply multipliers

    Quantity, complexity and scope factors multiply only the cost components identified for them in the calculator model.

  4. 4. Create the range

    The calculator applies its documented lower and upper uncertainty factors to the base result; ROI views keep investment and savings visible separately.

  5. 5. Round and calibrate

    Monetary result fields are rounded to the nearest whole euro. Public project-cost components are calibrated with the centrally maintained display factor.

  6. 6. Classify the result

    The result is shown as non-binding guidance. A binding quote requires scope, data, integrations, risks and acceptance criteria to be reviewed.

Included

  • Inputs shown in the calculator
  • Calculator-specific base values and factors
  • Displayed one-off and recurring result components

Not included

  • Requirements not selected in the calculator
  • Unknown data migration and third-party licence costs
  • Taxes, legal advice and a binding delivery commitment

Efficiency or discount factor: A central display factor of 0.7 is applied to public project-cost components to keep all calculators aligned with the currently reviewed pricing basis. It is not a customer-specific discount; customer-entered wages, revenues and existing operating costs are not reduced.

Why this is not a binding quote: The calculator cannot verify complete requirements, third-party dependencies, data quality, legal constraints or acceptance criteria.

Technical responsibility and review

Technical owner
Björn Groenewold
Role
Managing Director and software engineer
Expertise
Software development and software estimation
First published
Last technical review
Price basis
September 2026

Choosing the right funding path requires a current check: Digital Jetzt ended on 31 December 2023, go-digital has ended, and current KfW products or active German state programs must be reviewed before the project starts. Our funding consulting for IT projects checks programs, eligibility, and deadlines — and can support you through the application where needed.

Sample calculations & scenarios

Concrete project profiles with assumptions and indicative budgets—useful for internal alignment alongside the calculator.

Cost examples

All cost examples for this calculator

Funding Programs for IT and Digitalization at a Glance

Federal Funding Programs

Regional Funding Programs (Selection)

Eligible Project Types

Next steps: consultation, project check, or calendar

After using the funding calculator, you can book a consultation, start the short project check with a funding focus, or open the calendar booking window— in addition to funding consulting and the contact form.

Pick a time in the calendar

Free initial conversation on programs, funding rates, and applications — with context from the funding calculator.

Free & non-binding · 30-minute intro call

Book next available slot

Prefer to call? +49 491 960 999 00 – Mon–Fri 9–17 (CET)

Funding for Digitalization – Save on Your IT Project

The German federal and state governments support companies in their digitalization with funding programmes. Depending on your federal state, company size, and project type, a grant or promotional loan may be available. Type and amount follow the current official rules and an individual review. Our calculator provides an initial orientation.

Programme status as of 8 September 2026

Digital Jetzt ended on 31 December 2023, and go-digital has ended. Digitalbonus.Niedersachsen-innovativ expired on 31 December 2025. Regular ZIM applications have been temporarily suspended since 7 July 2026; open international calls may be exempt.

Active examples include the KfW ERP Promotional Loan for Digitalisation, MID NRW, Digitalbonus Bavaria with monthly quotas, and Hamburg Digital Check.

Why Use Funding?

Programme-specific relief

Grants and promotional loans work differently. The rules, approval notice and own contribution are decisive.

Larger Budget Possible

With funding, you can realize a more comprehensive project – more features, better quality.

Lower Risk

The grant reduces your financial risk – the investment pays off faster.

Key Funding Programs

Federal Programs

  • Digital Jetzt: ended on 31 December 2023
  • go-inno: up to €22,000 innovation vouchers
  • KfW: ERP Promotional Loan for Digitalisation is active

Regional Programs (Selection)

  • Lower Saxony: Digitalbonus.Niedersachsen-innovativ closed to applications since 1 January 2026
  • Bavaria: Digitalbonus with monthly quotas
  • NRW: active MID tracks depending on the project
  • Berlin: Transferbonus up to €45,000

How Funding Works

1

Funding Check

Use our calculator and get advice on which programs fit.

2

Submit Application

Submit funding application before project start. We support with documentation.

3

Implement Project

After approval, we start your IT project together.

4

Receive Funding

After project completion, the grant is paid out.

Typical Funding Amounts by Project Size

€2,500 – 10,000
Small Projects
  • Investment: €5,000 – 25,000
  • Website, online shop basics
  • IT security starter package
  • Regional funding programs
€10,000 – 50,000
Medium Projects
  • Investment: €25,000 – 100,000
  • Custom software
  • AI integration
  • Federal + state programs
€50,000 – 200,000
Large Projects
  • Investment: €100,000 – 500,000
  • ERP systems, automation
  • Complex AI projects
  • GRW + innovation funding

Why Funding With Groenewold IT Solutions?

Funding Experience

We know the funding landscape and have successfully completed numerous funded projects.

Application Support

We help with documentation and create funding-compliant project descriptions.

Made in Germany

As a German agency, we meet all funding provider requirements – development entirely in Germany.

Funding + Leasing: Double Benefits

Software leasing spreads the remaining own contribution over 72 months. Terms are on the software financing page.

Secure Funding – Get Advice Now

Take advantage of the funding opportunities for your IT project. In a free initial consultation, we jointly check which programs are available to you and support you with the application process.

Frequently asked questions

IT Project Funding

Funding programmes & requirements

Which funding programmes exist for IT projects?

As of 8 September 2026, Digital Jetzt and go-digital have ended, and Digitalbonus.Niedersachsen-innovativ has accepted no applications since 1 January 2026.

Active examples include the KfW ERP Promotional Loan for Digitalisation, MID NRW, the quota-based Digitalbonus Bavaria and Hamburg Digital Check. Regular ZIM applications have been temporarily suspended since 7 July 2026; open international calls may be exempt.

What is the typical funding rate?

There is no generally valid funding rate.

The current programme rules define the eligible cost base, cap and own contribution. The calculator therefore provides orientation only and does not replace a programme-specific review.

Which companies can apply for grants?

Most programmes target SMEs with fewer than 250 employees.

Some are open to companies with up to 499 employees; large enterprises have far fewer options.

Björn Groenewold – Geschäftsführer Groenewold IT Solutions

Calculate funding

Check your funding options for IT and digitalization projects.

Process & application

When must the funding application be submitted?

In almost all programmes the application must be submitted before project start – early measure start leads to exclusion.

Retroactive applications for running projects are usually not accepted. Clarify funding options before starting software development; we check deadlines so you apply in time.

Can I combine several funding programmes?

In principle yes, but total funding must not exceed certain limits.

We advise on sensible combinations and typical exclusions.

How long does the application process take?

Processing depends on the agency, programme, budget and completeness of the documents.

Some programmes use quotas, lotteries or time-limited calls. Plan without a blanket lead time and check the current official procedure.

Björn Groenewold – Geschäftsführer Groenewold IT Solutions

Request a consultation

Which solution fits your project? We advise you without obligation.

Settlement & software funding

What happens if the funding application is rejected?

Rejection is often not final: applications can be revised and resubmitted.

We analyse rejection reasons, improve documentation and support follow-up applications with funding advisers where desired.

How long until grant funds are paid out?

Payment timing follows the specific programme and approval notice.

Some funds are paid after proof of use, while others require a separate drawdown. Plan the own contribution and any interim financing against the official conditions before project start.

How does Groenewold IT Solutions support funding preparation?

We provide structured cost planning and project descriptions as a basis for applications.

Dedicated funding advisers handle consulting and submission.

Which funding fits software development for my company?

Depending on location and project, current options may include the KfW ERP Promotional Loan for Digitalisation, MID NRW, Digitalbonus Bavaria with monthly quotas or Hamburg Digital Check.

Digital Jetzt and go-digital have ended, while Digitalbonus.Niedersachsen-innovativ has expired. Regular ZIM applications have been temporarily suspended since 7 July 2026; international calls may be exempt. Check the current official rules before project start.

Funding: application support and effort

How we support you cost-side with funding applications

Program selection, application support, and use-of-funds—so funding earns more than it costs.

  1. 1. Eligibility and program choice

    As of 8 September 2026, Digital Jetzt and go-digital have ended, Digitalbonus.Niedersachsen-innovativ has expired, and regular ZIM applications are temporarily suspended. We check currently open KfW and regional programmes; international ZIM calls may be exempt.

  2. 2. Application strategy and documents

    We calculate effort for application formulation and evidence. Well invested—bad applications get rejected.

  3. 3. Submission and follow-ups

    We accompany submission and follow-ups from the agency. Flat fee per application, so you know what you pay.

  4. 4. Use-of-funds report

    We calculate interim and final reports. Without evidence, funding gets reclaimed—that would be more expensive than our support.

Typical pricing models (overview)

Comparison: typical pricing models for software and IT projects
ModelWhen it fitsBudget & flexibilityTypical risks
Fixed price (fixed scope)Clearly defined scope, stable requirements, repeatable delivery.Predictable total cost; little room for change without a change order.Scope creep leads to change orders or quality trade-offs.
Time & MaterialDiscovery, legacy, evolving requirements, or close collaboration.Maximum flexibility; budget transparent via hourly or daily rates.Without prioritisation, effort can grow—backlog and reviews matter.
Retainer / maintenance packageOngoing operations, updates, small features, and support.Agreed capacity per month; predictable follow-on cost.Large changes may still need a separate estimate.
Hybrid (milestone + T&M)MVP or phased releases with clear go-lives, then iterate.Core delivery fixed price; extensions on a time-and-materials basis.Define contractually what is in scope vs. extra work.

Calculators on this page provide indicative ranges; we choose the right model with you based on risk, scope, and planning horizon.

What determines the costs, and what comes next?

The ranges shown are indicative. For a binding quote we discuss scope, priorities and funding options in a free intro call. Many digitalization projects qualify for grants – try our funding calculator.

Browse all cost calculators, explore services and typical solutions. Questions about funding? Contact us.

After using the funding calculator, validate assumptions in a short intro call.

What we align in the call

  • Scope, risks, and funding options
  • Milestones and documented exclusions
  • Transparent quote without hidden line items

Costs for funding in context

  • Scope, risk, and quality expectations drive the range
  • Include operations, maintenance, and grants
  • Dedicated contacts and short paths from East Frisia

Browse all cost calculators in the costs overview.