The FEF is a private, self-funding institution. It supports its activities in large part through its endowment which has grown over time from a few bequests and donations. However, an important portion of the budget, and one that is increasingly significant, is funded with the concerted financial backing of public and private organisations.

Beginning in 2012 the institutional activities of the FEF are supported through the contribution laid out in Law 23 September 2011, n. 169 (Granting of contributions for the funding of research on the history and culture of the Middles Ages in Italy and Europe).