A look at how the network is funded

The disease-oriented Competence Network Multiple Sclerosis (KKNMS e.V.) was initiated by the Germany Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and was initially largely funded by government grants. These grants were used primarily for the research projects, the cohort and registry studies as well as for the infrastructure of the network. The free materials that we provide for quality control and the care of MS patients (e.g. our virtual quality handbooks) are all funded by donations. Because it is important to us that we are an independent association, we are happy to disclose all our sources of income.

The KKNMS was initially funded by the BMBF starting in 2009. In our first funding period from 2009 to 2012, the network received a grant of 7.4 million euros for the first research projects as well as for network infrastructure. In 2013 to 2015, we applied for an extension of the grants and received 7.3 million euros with which we were able to continue ongoing research projects as well as initiate new ones. In its third funding phase (2016-2019) the network received a further grant of 7.2 million euros.

The KKNMS strove to consolidate its activities by establishing alternative independent funding options. The founding of a non-profit organization has made it possible for the network to become active in fundraising as well as in acquiring donations. Since 2020 the KKNMS is completely funded by donations. We receive donations from both private individuals as well as from companies. Further information is available in the annual reports of the KKNMS e.V.  (German).