Deadline: September 22, 2025
Are you working at the intersection of science and practice in forestry? The Velux Stiftung Forestry Programme 2025 offers a rare funding opportunity for solution-oriented, high-impact projects that advance sustainable forest management, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. This programme supports both scientific innovation and practical implementation — providing up to CHF 100,000 annually for projects lasting one to four years.
In this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Velux Stiftung Forestry Programme 2025, including eligibility, deadlines, funding details, and how to apply.
About the Velux Stiftung Forestry Programme 2025
The Velux Stiftung, a Swiss-based philanthropic foundation, launched its Forestry funding line in 2022 to support science-practice collaborations that address critical issues in forest management. The aim is to foster resilient ecosystems, climate-smart practices, and innovative forest product use, particularly under growing environmental and societal pressures.
The Velux Stiftung Forestry Programme 2025 continues this mission by funding interdisciplinary projects that are participatory, scalable, and grounded in both scientific rigour and real-world relevance.
Focus Areas and Thematic Priorities
Velux Stiftung is looking for projects that go beyond research and create lasting, tangible outcomes. Eligible projects must address at least one of the following thematic areas:
- Climate-smart forest management
- Biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience
- Sustainable forest product development
- Behavioural incentives and decision-making tools
All proposals must demonstrate system-level relevance and strategic fit within these themes.
Types of Supported Projects
1. Research Projects
- Must be innovative and solution-driven.
- Require a participatory design involving stakeholders.
- At least 10% of the budget must be dedicated to knowledge transfer.
2. Science-Practice Collaborations
- Must link academic institutions with practitioners (e.g., NGOs, forest agencies).
- Expected to produce useful tools, guides, or policy recommendations.
- Strong collaborative commitment must be evident from both sides.
Funding Amount and Duration
- Funding per project: Up to CHF 100,000 per year
- Project duration: Between 1 and 4 years
- Knowledge transfer budget: Minimum of 10% of total budget must be allocated
- Annual funding budget (programme-wide): Up to CHF 2 million
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Velux Stiftung Forestry Programme 2025, applicants must meet the following:
- One Principal Investigator (PI) with a permanent position at an academic or research institution
- Up to three co-PIs and additional collaborators as needed
- At least two institutional partners (e.g., a university and a practitioner organisation)
- Projects must have a strong scientific component and demonstrate systemic impact
- Geographic scope: Global, provided compliance with Swiss sanctions
- Urban forestry and isolated case studies are not eligible
Application Timeline
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Call opens | April 2025 |
| Application deadline | 22 September 2025, 23:59 CEST |
| Funding decisions announced | March 2026 |
Selection Process
Applications will go through a rigorous four-step review process:
- Initial screening by Velux Stiftung management
- Evaluation by an international scientific committee
- External peer review of shortlisted proposals
- Final funding decisions by the Stiftung Board
Projects are selected based on innovation, scalability, strategic alignment, and impact potential.
Examples of Funded Projects
Velux Stiftung has previously supported innovative forestry projects such as:
- Adaptive deer management to restore forest ecosystems
- Forest restoration via timber value chain improvement
- Nature-based solutions in Southeast Asian forests
- Climate-focused forest design integrating daylight and temperature modelling
These examples demonstrate the fund’s commitment to applied solutions and measurable outcomes.
How to Apply for the Velux Stiftung Forestry Programme 2025
Applications are submitted through the official Velux Stiftung portal, which opens in April 2025. Interested teams must prepare a full proposal including:
- Project concept and goals
- Stakeholder engagement strategy
- Scientific and strategic rationale
- Detailed budget with a minimum of 10% for knowledge transfer
Apply here: Submit your application for Velux Stiftung Forestry Programme 2025
Read more about the programme: Programme overview and eligibility
Final Thoughts on the Velux Stiftung Forestry Programme 2025
The Velux Stiftung Forestry Programme represents an extraordinary chance for researchers and practitioners to co-create knowledge that drives sustainable forestry worldwide. If you’re developing innovative, scalable, and collaborative solutions that respond to today’s forest challenges, don’t miss this funding opportunity.
For expert help with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org today.
