Pillar I funds investments in a modern learning environment at Startchancen schools. The school authority applies, usually to a state funding bank or authority, and contributes its own share. The school provides the pedagogical justification. Funding rates, minimum project sizes and deadlines differ by state – e.g. up to 70% in Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, up to 80% in Saxony-Anhalt, according to the respective guidelines.
Who does what
- School: describes the need and pedagogical benefit (short concept), involves the school conference
- School authority: plans, obtains quotes, applies for funding, contributes its own share, procures
- State authority / funding bank: reviews and approves, pays out the grant
- Supplier (us): documentation, standards documentation (DIN EN 16630), firm quote, delivery and installation
Typical documents
- Short pedagogical concept
- Cost estimate or quote
- Site plan / description of the outdoor area
- Proof of standard compliance (DIN EN 16630)
- Financing plan including own share
Typical exclusions
- Pure maintenance or preservation without pedagogical added value
- Double funding from other federal, EU or state programmes (rules vary)
- Measures below the state’s minimum project size (e.g. €35,000 grant in Saxony, €14,286 in Baden-Württemberg)
- Running operating costs
Tip: combine measures
Where a state has a high minimum project size, a single station may be too small on its own. It can then be part of a broader schoolyard measure – e.g. together with shade, seating, greening or accessible paths.
All 16 federal states at a glance
| State | Funding rate (per guideline) | Official information |
|---|---|---|
| Baden-Württemberg | up to 70% · L-Bank | Open |
| Bavaria | up to 70% (up to 90% for financially weak authorities) | Open |
| Berlin | eligible costs covered in full (max. 70% federal, min. 30% state) · SenBJF | Open |
| Brandenburg | – | Open |
| Bremen | – | Check with the state ministry of education |
| Hamburg | – | Check with the state ministry of education |
| Hesse | – | Check with the state ministry of education |
| Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania | – | Check with the state ministry of education |
| Lower Saxony | up to 70% · RLSB Lüneburg | Open |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | – | Check with the state ministry of education |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | – | Open |
| Saarland | – | Check with the state ministry of education |
| Saxony | up to 70% · SAB | Open |
| Saxony-Anhalt | up to 80% · Investitionsbank Sachsen-Anhalt | Open |
| Schleswig-Holstein | – | Check with the state ministry of education |
| Thuringia | – | Check with the state ministry of education |
Last checked: October 2026. Information based on the official sources linked above. Rates and deadlines may change — the respective state guideline is always authoritative. We do not promise any funding.
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Frequently asked questions
How high is the funding rate?
It depends on the state. According to the guidelines: up to 70% in Saxony and Baden-Württemberg, up to 70% in Bavaria (up to 90% for financially weak authorities), up to 80% in Saxony-Anhalt. Always check the current official source.
Can the school apply itself?
No, Pillar I applications are submitted by the school authority.
Is there a deadline?
Deadlines are set by each state. In Saxony, for example, the short concept had to be submitted to the LaSuB by 31 December 2026 and the application to the SAB by 30 June 2027.