# DFG Research Grants (Sachbeihilfe)

**Funder:** DFG
**Budget:** Project funding — staff, equipment, consumables, travel
**Duration:** Project-dependent (typically several years)
**Consortium:** No — single-PI project grant
**Application:** Single-stage (rolling)
**Frequency:** Continuous (no fixed deadline)
**Eligible countries:** DE
**Official call:** https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/individual/research-grants
**Last verified:** 18 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

DFG Research Grants (Sachbeihilfe) is Germany's standing single-PI project grant, open to qualified researchers at a German institution at any career stage. No fixed deadline.

## Summary

DFG Research Grants (Sachbeihilfe) fund individual research projects of any size and duration at German institutions through continuous rolling submission. Grants range from €150,000 to €1,500,000 and cover staff, equipment, consumables, and travel; they are available to qualified researchers at any career stage. There is no fixed deadline, proposals can be submitted at any time and are evaluated on a rolling basis.

## Who should apply

- Researchers at any career stage based at a German institution
- Scientists seeking to lead single-PI projects with flexible scope and duration
- Applicants with research ideas requiring €150,000-€1,500,000 in direct costs
- Researchers in any discipline eligible to apply

## Key dates

- Continuous rolling submission, submit proposals at any time
- Single-stage evaluation with no fixed deadline
- Project duration typically several years, negotiated per proposal

## Tips for applicants

- Proposals are evaluated on rolling basis in order received, clarify your research question and feasibility upfront; vague early submissions will not be strengthened by resubmission.
- The €1.5M cap is a hard ceiling; cost justification must be rigorous for projects approaching this range, especially for staff and equipment.
- DFG panels value methodological rigor and realistic timelines, overly ambitious scope for the budget requested is a frequent reason for rejection.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the budget range for a DFG Research Grant (Sachbeihilfe)?

Grants range from €150,000 to €1,500,000 and cover staff, equipment, consumables, and travel costs.

### Can I apply for a DFG Research Grant at any career stage?

Yes, DFG Research Grants are open to qualified researchers at any career stage, from early-career to established investigators.

### Is there a deadline for DFG Research Grants?

No, DFG Research Grants operate on continuous rolling submission, and proposals can be submitted at any time for rolling evaluation.

### Can I apply for a DFG Research Grant if I'm not at a German institution?

No, you must be based at a qualified German research institution to be eligible.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/dfg-research-grants-sachbeihilfe-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.