APPLYING TO THE CNV-FOUNDATION

Who is eligible?
The grants of the Foundation are aimed at excellent beginning scientists in the field of experimental natural sciences, who see their chosen career threatened by the additional responsibility of caring for one or more children. The CNV-Foundation sponsors female researchers of all nationalities, conducting graduate research at a German university or research institute. The living expenses of the applicant should be covered by a salary or fellowship. It is expected that the child/children are already being taken care of by a daycare facility or other. 
How to apply?
Application deadlines is once in a year December 31st of each calendar year. Only applications using the following forms can be taken into consideration:

Application form graduate student (download)

Please complete the form using the "Typewriter" tool included in Adobe Acrobat Reader 7. The Reader is available free of charge.

The completed form should be sent as an attachment in pdf format to bewerbung@cnv-stiftung.de. Copies of relevant references should also be in pdf format and attached to the application. To facilitate processing we ask that you state the surname of the applicant as well as "doc" or "post-doc" in the subject line of each email.

Each application requires a letter of reference from the applicant's PhD advisor, the advisor of the post-doctoral project if applicable, and/or one further scientist. These should be sent directly to the Foundation. Please provide the individuals writing a letter of recommendation with the NOTES FOR RECOMMENDATIONS document found below.
Notes for authors of reference letters (download pdf)
If you should have further questions regarding the application procedure please read:
FAQ (download pdf)
What is the selection procedure?
Applicants who have been shortlisted based on their written applications will be invited to an interview. The interview will take place approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the application deadline. All applicants will be informed on the results the week following the interviews.
What will the grant be?
The stipend may amount up to 400 Euro per month, depending on the individual situation. It is granted for one year. This financial assistance will be given for help reduce the amount of time spent with household tasks and for additional childcare in order to increase the time used for scientific research. The fund can be used, for example, to hire help, buy a dishwasher or washing machine, and for additional childcare (sitter during the evenings or while attending conferences).
Funding begins in March after the application deadline. Payments will be made in monthly installments. They are liable for taxation.
A brief report should be submitted once funding has ceased, which serves as informal feedback for the Foundation.

Can funding be extended beyond one year?
Funding can be extended in exceptional cases after one year upon an informal application. A brief progress report is required as well as a declaration on how the funds have been spent and a written statement of consent from your advisor. Applications for extension are subject to the same deadlines (end of the year) as regular applications and should be sent via email to bewerbung@cnv-stiftung.de.