Förderung der Regionalentwicklung und der Gestaltung der Folgen des demografischen Wandels

The 2nd funding guideline of the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture on projects and measures for regional development and for shaping the consequences of demographic change (guideline on regional development and demographic change) in the version dated June 10, 2024 is the basis for the implementation of the aforementioned objectives in Thuringia and thus the basis for all funding decisions for regional development.

The legal basis for the Regional Development and Demographic Change Guideline in the version dated June 10, 2024 are

• General budgetary provisions, in particular Sections 23 and 44 of the Thuringian State Budget Code (ThürLHO) with the associated administrative regulations (VV)
• Thuringian Budget Act
• Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2831 of 13 December 2023 on the application of Articles 107 and 108 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union to de minimis aid (OJ L, 15.12.2023)

With its bottom-up funding approach, the Regional Development and Demographic Change Directive offers municipalities, districts and associations the opportunity to develop ideas directly from the region.

The Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture's funding guideline for regional development projects and measures and for shaping the consequences of demographic change (Regional Development and Demographic Change Guideline) supports regional development in Thuringia. Priority is given to areas with special development needs. Applications for funding can be submitted by administrative districts, municipalities or local associations. The financial framework for funding is between €10,000 and €200,000.

The following objectives must be met when applying for funding in funding areas A (classic regional development) and B (model projects) :

• Implementation of the objectives of the current Thuringian state development program and the corresponding regional plan
• Strengthening cooperation between local and regional stakeholders
• Stabilization, improvement and expansion of inter-municipal cooperation

Part C, on the other hand, focuses on ensuring socially equitable participation of regions affected by demographic change. Funding is therefore primarily provided for projects, measures and plans that contribute to actively and proactively shaping the consequences of demographic change in the Free State of Thuringia. The focus of the funding is on intergenerational exchange and strengthening the local sense of community.

Funding can be approved for projects in all regions of Thuringia. Applicants are usually districts, municipalities or local associations.

• Application for funding for projects and measures for regional development and for managing the consequences of demographic change
• Attachments to the application

The requirements are contained in the funding guidelines of the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture for regional development projects and measures and for shaping the consequences of demographic change (Regional Development and Demographic Change Guidelines) in the version dated June 10, 2024.

There are no fees.

The Regional Development and Demographic Change Directive is the basis for the implementation of the aforementioned objectives in Thuringia and thus the basis for all regional development funding decisions. A distinction is made between the following types of funding:

Part A: Promotion of traditional regional development

The Regional Development and Demographic Change guideline supports in particular

• regional development concepts,
• feasibility studies,
• implementation management and
• the implementation of key projects from previously developed concepts.

Funding is only provided if the three funding objectives mentioned above are met.

Part B: Funding for model projects

Model projects are projects and measures that make a novel contribution to the future viability of services of general interest under the conditions of demographic change in Thuringia and meet the requirements of regional planning. This includes the following projects and measures in detail:

• with exemplary, regionally based cooperation
• with innovative approaches to inter-municipal challenges
• to establish untested project sponsorships
• for the further development of existing public service structures

The involvement of civic commitment and the linking of several fields of action are desirable here.

Part C: Funding projects and measures to shape the consequences of demographic change

In order to shape the consequences of demographic change, funding includes, among other things the implementation of utilization concepts for multifunctional or intergenerational infrastructure facilities; measures for the increased activation and further development of community-specific resources; measures that serve to maintain, activate and strengthen structures of civic engagement or to provide services at a location with simultaneous use by different target groups; measures to provide public and private services close to home and to ensure socially equitable participation as well as the development of concepts and analyses in the course of preparing or evaluating a project. Material and personnel expenses or expenses for construction, supplies and services resulting from projects in accordance with Part C are eligible for funding. Excluded from this are personnel expenses of the public administration.

Application procedure

The application must be submitted to the responsible ministry as a single paper copy or as an online application via the following link below.

If a paper copy is sent, a digital copy of the application must also be sent to the responsible ministry. The digital application documents must be sent to the following address with the subject line "Application for funding for regional development/demography":

E-mail: poststelle@tmil.thueringen.de

The submission of further documents (e.g. concepts, plans, resolutions, photo documentation) as attachments is permitted and encouraged. If necessary for the evaluation of the application, additional documents may be requested by the approval authority or the responsible ministry.

The submission of further documents (e.g. concepts, plans, decisions, photo documentation, etc.) as attachments is permitted. If necessary for the evaluation of the application, further documents may be requested by the granting authority or the ministry responsible for regional development and demographic policy.

Further information can be found on the website of the Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture.

Approx. 6 months

The application deadline for approvals in subsequent years is always September 30 of the current year.

There is no legal entitlement to the grant.

The Ministry responsible for regional development and demographic policy will generally make a decision on the applications submitted after the respective deadline within the framework of the budget funds available.

All decisions are subject to a right of appeal.

• Promotion of projects in all regions of Thuringia
• For the strengthening of structurally weak areas:
  • Creating equal living conditions
  • Safeguarding services of general interest in all parts of the state
• The following points must be fulfilled for funding areas Part A and B:
  • Strengthening cooperation between local and regional players,
  • Stabilization, improvement and expansion of inter-municipal cooperation.
• The following points must be fulfilled for funding area C:
  • Ensuring socially equitable participation of regions affected by demographic change
  • Active and proactive demographic change projects, measures and plans
  • Intergenerational exchange and strengthening the local sense of unity
• Funding can be approved for projects in all regions of Thuringia.
• Applicants are usually districts, municipalities or local associations.
• The Thuringian Ministry of Infrastructure and Agriculture is responsible.

Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture

Werner-Seelenbinde-Strasse 8

99096 Erfurt

Phone +49 (0)361 57 4191 500

Department 52 Projects and Promotion of Regional Development

for applications for funding areas A and B

Department 53 Demographic Policy and Service Agency for Demographic Change

for applications for funding area C