The decision on whether to fund a research project is based on the principle of competition. The DFG has developed a multi-stage procedure so as to provide funding for the best projects from among all the proposals received.

The decision-making procedure involves a separation of review, evaluation and decision. The researchers elected by the communities to the Interner Linkreview boards always have an essential role to play. The mechanisms that apply to proposals submitted for Interner Linkindividual grants differ from those submitted under Interner Linkcoordinated programmes.

Every decision on a funding proposal is ultimately derived from or based on a decision made by the Interner LinkJoint Committee or another DFG decision-making body.

The DFG Head Office coordinates these procedures.