The DFG promotes research at universities and non-university research institutions through a wide range of funding programmes and formats that are open to a variety of topics. The DFG's core task is the competitive selection of the best research projects.

The DFG's individual funding is aimed at scientists who have completed their doctorate. The DFG finances projects that are limited in terms of topic and time, e.g. within the framework of non-monetary grants or programmes to promote young researchers.