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.

• Online application
• Thuringian Ministry for Infrastructure and Agriculture