Funding application for LED floodlighting: step by step

The Kommunalrichtlinie applies to municipalities. Sports clubs should turn to the state or Landessportbund. Refurbishment of floodlighting falls under number 4.2.1, indoor lighting under number 4.2.3. The rate is 25%, and 40% for financially weak municipalities and lignite mining regions. Applications are possible year-round until 31 December 2027.

The minimum grant is €10,000 per application. At 25%, the project therefore needs at least €40,000 of eligible expenses. For smaller projects, therefore check the state programmes and state sports federations. Other federal funding cannot be combined for the same project.

For floodlighting on sports facilities, the guideline and technical annex name these conditions:

• At least 50% greenhouse gas saving
• Design according to DIN EN 12193 by a qualified specialist planner
• Usage-appropriate control, for example in two stages for training and competition
• Colour temperature of at most 3000 K as a rule, up to 4000 K in exceptional cases if the sport requires it
• ULR 0%: no light upwards
• Illuminance at most 30% above the value of the lighting class
• Minimum lifetime L80 of 50,000 operating hours according to the manufacturer

A pure lamp replacement is not funded. For sports facilities, the funder also requires photo documentation of the system before and after completion.

Obtain the necessary resolution from the board, members' meeting or municipal council early. The own share is at least 15% of the eligible expenses, and 10% for financially weak municipalities and in lignite regions. Third-party funds do not replace this minimum share.

Also clarify who may sign for the club. The application is legally valid only if a person authorised to sign confirms it. The register extract and articles of association should be up to date.

Planning services may be carried out before the application. For the application you need the calculation form from KRL-Online, which a qualified person fills in and signs. It is also used to prove the saving.

You may already obtain quotes if the request expressly states: award and contract only if funding is approved. Note this in your request. We supply the lighting calculation for the application.

Since 1 June 2026 the application has been made digitally only, via easy-Online, form “4.2.1 Außen- und Straßenbeleuchtung” (outdoor and street lighting). Confirmation is by email code or qualified electronic signature. If someone other than the authorised person signs, a power of attorney is required.

Enter a realistic approval period. The funder recommends a start no earlier than six to eight months after the application, and the period is usually 18 months. A separate application is needed for each measure.

Anyone who starts before approval generally receives no funding. Even concluding a supply or service contract counts as the start. If this comes to light later, the decision may be revoked and repayment with interest demanded. Only planning and quotes subject to the stated reservation are allowed early.

Place the orders within the set deadline. For awards and contract conclusions, the funder gives nine months after the start of the project term at the latest. Record the condition before the conversion in photos.

After the end of the project term, you submit the proof of use with a final report. Grants under €25,000 are paid out only after the project is completed. Therefore plan for pre-financing.