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Lower Saxony boosts funding access with new Project Agency launch

From pilot to permanent: How Lower Saxony's new agency cuts red tape for small towns. Ministers promise faster, clearer funding—here's how it works.

The image shows a white background with a pie chart depicting the importance of general support...
The image shows a white background with a pie chart depicting the importance of general support funding. The chart is divided into sections, each representing a different aspect of the funding, such as the type of funding available, the amount of money allocated, and the percentage of people who support it.

Lower Saxony boosts funding access with new Project Agency launch

Lower Saxony is expanding support for small and medium-sized municipalities seeking funding. The state government has approved €150,000 to transform the existing Project Workshop into a full Project Agency. This move aims to simplify access to financial assistance across the region.

The Project Workshop began as a pilot in 2022, initially serving the Leine-Weser area. By 2025, it had grown to cover all of Lower Saxony, with around 150 municipalities using its advisory services.

The new Project Agency will now take on a broader role. It will analyse experiences from local councils to refine funding processes. Insights gathered will feed into tools like the Funding Finder platform and the Lower Saxony Municipal Funding Act.

Regional Development Minister Melanie Walter stressed the need to consolidate expertise and remove barriers. Her goal is to create clearer, more practical steps for accessing funds. NSGB President Marco Trips echoed this, pushing for faster and more transparent funding distribution.

State backing for the agency is secured until the end of 2027. The expanded services will focus on real-world needs, ensuring municipalities receive tailored support.

The Project Agency's launch marks a shift from pilot to permanent support. With €150,000 in funding, it will help small and medium-sized towns navigate financial aid more efficiently. The changes are set to take effect by 2028, with long-term state backing in place.

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