The Sammelstiftung der Hochschule für bildende Künste (collecting fund) was founded in the mid 60s. Once a year ten students, nominated by a professor after appraisal, used to be awarded a grant up to a maximum of 510 euros. The selection was overseen by the trust committee, which consisted of a representative of the BWF (Hamburg Science Authority) acting as chairperson, the HFBK president, a professorial representative, a representative from the BWF deputation, then one other public representative.

Since 2011, the funds have been used to co-finance the Deutschlandstipendium bursary.