The discretionary fund supports projects and start-ups with up to 5,000 euros
The City of Darmstadt and Darmstadt Marketing GmbH will continue the discretionary fund for revitalizing the city center and district centers in 2026. A total of €35,000 is available for this purpose. Individual projects, initiatives, and start-ups can receive support of up to €5,000.
Following the positive response to the discretionary fund in 2024 and 2025, the funding instrument is being offered again. The fund is made possible by the support of the Sparkasse Darmstadt and Dieburg. It supports ideas that contribute to revitalizing, enhancing, and increasing the attractiveness of Darmstadt's city center or its district centers.
Funding also available for start-ups and new business ideas
"A vibrant city center and attractive neighborhood centers depend heavily on the people who are actively involved locally and contribute their own ideas," explains Mayor Hanno Benz. The discretionary fund is intended to enable such ideas to be implemented as easily and quickly as possible.
The offer is explicitly aimed at founders and start-ups. Furthermore, it is also intended for businesses, associations, initiatives, and other stakeholders who want to set new trends with their own projects.
Both investment and non-investment measures are eligible for funding. Examples include projects for the design and enhancement of public spaces, new business ideas, initiatives to revitalize neighborhoods and shopping areas, and creative projects to improve the quality of life.
Up to €5,000 in funding per project
A total of €35,000 is available for the discretionary fund until December 31, 2026. Individual projects can be funded with up to €5,000.
Applications can now be submitted to the retail space and neighborhood management office of the City of Darmstadt. The application form is available there and can also be downloaded from the Darmstadt City Points website.
Further information and application form:
www.darmstadt-stadtpunkte.de
The workshop provides information about funding opportunities
To launch the new discretionary fund, a workshop for interested “city makers” will take place on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
The retail space and neighborhood management team will present funding opportunities in the town hall foyer and answer questions about the application process and implementation. Participants can also further develop initial project ideas and network with other interested parties.
The most important data
Funding program: Darmstadt 2026 Discretionary Fund
Total budget: €35,000
Funding: up to €5,000 per project
Applications: from now until December 31, 2026 at the latest
Contact: Retail Space and Neighborhood Management, Luisenstraße 12, 64283 Darmstadt
Email: stadtpunkte@darmstadt.de
Workshop: Thursday, October 8, 2026, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Town Hall Foyer, Luisenstraße 12, Darmstadt
(DARMSTADT – RED/PM/DM)
