Funding can generally be divided into several funding instruments, which are used depending on the project objective, company size, and funding logic. The most well-known form are grants, which do not have to be repaid and are often used for investments, innovation projects, consulting services, or pilot projects in the area of climate protection and sustainability. Grants are particularly attractive, but usually come with clear funding conditions, reporting obligations, and a limited funding rate.
In addition, low-interest loans play a central role. They offer companies access to capital under better conditions than market rates and are often used for larger investments in energy efficiency, facilities, infrastructure, or transformation. In many cases, loans can be combined with grant components, for example in the form of repayment grants, which further increases economic attractiveness.
In practice, funding instruments are often combined to cover projects holistically, such as investment funding for technical measures together with grants for consulting, data development, or reporting. Especially for projects arising from a climate strategy, a circular economy initiative, or preparation for sustainability reporting and ESG requirements, such combinations unfold their greatest impact.
