Federal funding: the Kommunalrichtlinie
The Kommunalrichtlinie is part of Germany's National Climate Initiative (NKI). Among other things, it funds the energy-efficient refurbishment of outdoor, hall and indoor lighting – explicitly including modern lighting technology for floodlighting. Municipalities and sports clubs are eligible.
| As of May 2026, according to the Federal Environment Ministry | |
|---|---|
| What is funded? | Refurbishment of outdoor, hall and indoor lighting, including floodlights |
| Who can apply? | Municipalities and clubs |
| Grant for lighting | 25 %, financially weak municipalities up to 40 % |
| Lignite mining regions | applicants are treated like financially weak municipalities |
How well this works is shown by an example the Federal Environment Ministry itself cites: a football club in Chemnitz saves around 72 % electricity with its new LED outdoor lighting and cut its own contribution to around 15 % by combining different funding sources.
State programmes and sports federations
Most German states also fund sports facilities – through their own programmes or the state sports federation. Amounts, deadlines and conditions vary widely. Typically:
- The application goes through the state sports federation, the district or city sports association or the municipality.
- A share of the costs is funded, often with a cap per project.
- State funding can sometimes be combined with federal funding – the cumulation rules must be observed.
Your first point of contact is your state sports federation or your municipality's sports facilities officer.
How a funding application works
- Record the existing installation: number and wattage of the old luminaires, operating hours, electricity consumption.
- Design the new installation: lighting calculation to DIN EN 12193 and energy comparison old versus new.
- Obtain quotes: many programmes require comparative quotes.
- Apply – before placing the order: With grants, the project may generally only start after the application or approval. Even a signed order can count as the start.
- Implement and document: submit invoices, photos and the proof of use.
What we supply for your application
- Lighting calculation with DIALux to DIN EN 12193 for your pitch or hall
- Energy comparison of the old and new installation: wattage, kWh per year, CO₂
- Quotation with data sheets and photometric files for the luminaires
- Notes on light immissions, if the authority asks for them – more in our guide to Floodlight permits
How much your installation saves is shown in advance by the LED savings calculator. Projects with real figures are in our case studies, for example at the Sondershausen sports centre with 68 % less lighting energy.
LED savings calculatorWhat can your lighting save?Energy costs, CO₂ and payback in just a few minutes.Frequently asked questions
Is there funding for LED floodlighting?
Yes. The Kommunalrichtlinie of Germany's National Climate Initiative funds the refurbishment of outdoor, hall and floodlighting. According to the Federal Environment Ministry, the grant is 25 %, up to 40 % for financially weak municipalities (as of May 2026). State programmes and sports federations come on top.
Can sports clubs apply for funding?
Yes. Municipalities and clubs are eligible to apply under the Kommunalrichtlinie.
Can I combine federal and state funding?
Often yes, if the programmes' cumulation rules are observed. The Federal Environment Ministry cites a club that cut its own contribution to around 15 % by combining different funding sources.
When must the funding application be submitted?
As a rule before the project begins – and even a signed order can count as the start. Check with the funding body when you may order.
Which documents do I need for the funding application?
Usually a description of the existing installation, a lighting design, an energy comparison old versus new and quotes. We supply the lighting calculation, energy comparison and quote.
