Special funding
Terms & conditions and funding agreement apply to the funding year 2026:
Take your music project to the next level. We're here to support you.
The next application round for Special Funding opens on 2 November 2026. We are looking for inspiring project ideas from composers and lyricists who want to bring their creative ambitions to life.
Through our Online Cultural Funding programme, we will support 24 projects, each receiving EUR 10,000 in funding. Whether you are working on new music, writing songs or planning the release of a work, this is your opportunity to take your project further.
Applications may be submitted until 22 November 2026. Full details on eligibility requirements, terms and conditions, and the application process are available on our website.
Conditions for funding
All full and associate GEMA members belonging to the professional category of composers or lyricists are entitled to subsidies.
The subsidy is aimed at professional music authors who want to develop their songwriting career strategically by tapping into new networks of artists and/or business networks, new genres or new markets via organised writing sessions in and outside Germany or through prospective participation in songwriting camps, thereby developing a growing catalogue of copyrighted works in which they have been involved and are therefore entitled to a share of the proceeds.
It is furthermore aimed at creators who are also performers (as solo artists or as part of a band) and who, in this capacity, are planning the production and online release of an audio recording (e.g. an EP or album) consisting solely of new own works.
Music producers who are demonstrably, and to a significant degree, involved as co-authors in such a creation and music production process, are also entitled to apply.
By 31 August 2027.
Applications for a special subsidy may only be submitted via the Online Portal. Our eligibility requirements are as follows. Please use our handout for registration in our Onlineportal.
Applications may only be submitted by the actual applicant. Applications may not be submitted by proxy representatives. More information, see here: eligibility requirements.
Applications for the next funding round will be possible from 02. till 22. November 2026.
The funding amount is €10,000. For further details on payment arrangements, please refer to the terms and conditions.
The funding agreement sets out the terms and conditions of your funding in a clear and transparent manner. It includes all key information, such as the funding amount, payment arrangements, use of the funds and the supporting documentation required. This ensures that you always have a reliable overview of your funding.
All participants who received special funding were informed by us in March 2027.
The allocation of funds is determined by an independent jury. Once the funds allocated for a funding round have been exhausted, no further applications can be approved.
The funding will be paid in two instalments. Of the total EUR 10,000, you will receive EUR 7,500 (75 %) immediately after your application has been approved and the funding agreement has been signed. The remaining EUR 2,500 (25 %) will be paid once the project has been completed and the full proof of expenditure and use of funds has been reviewed and approved.
The payment is made to the respective member’s account, which means that the funding amount may be offset against any existing negative balances, assignments or similar deductions. GEMA may release the funding instalments from such offsetting if, within the period specified in the approval notice, you provide confirmation from your creditors stating that they agree to a direct payment being made to you.
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If there are indications that the project cannot be implemented, or cannot be implemented as outlined in the funding application, this must be reported to GEMA immediately. GEMA reserves the right to reclaim any funds already paid out from the applicants.