Special Purpose Funds

Acting with Purpose in Times of Need
Special Purpose Funds

Photo: ReDI School

To respond nimbly to the societal needs of our time, at the Foundation we have established Special Purpose Funds within our statutory framework. These allow us to address emerging challenges while maintaining alignment with our core philanthropic mission.

At a glance – what kind of Funds we have

With our Special Purpose Funds, we support initiatives that provide emergency response and strengthen civil society in East Germany. Each Fund is designed to address specific needs and support projects that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

  • Photo credit: Prof. Dr. med. habil. Thomas Erler, Freundes- und Förderkreis Ernst von Bergmann Klinikum e.V.

1. Emergency Response Fund (since 2022)

Our Emergency Response Fund combines swift humanitarian action with targeted programs for individuals and communities affected by crisis.

  • Photo credit: Betty Pabst, Irrsinnig menschlich e.V.

2. Civil Society Fund (since 2025)

Centered on children and youth, the Civil Society Fund advances civic engagement in East Germany, promoting self-efficacy, belonging, and digital literacy.

Project examples

Special Purpose Funds enable focused responses to pressing needs, offering timely support for emerging challenges. They uphold our mission while adapting to changing circumstances.

 

1. Emergency Response

All the projects supported under the Emergency Response Fund aim to directly and positively change individual institutions and people’s lives affected by an emergency or crisis.

Ernst von Bergmann Klinikum – Freundes- und Förderkreis

Provide essential medical equipment—including neonatal ventilators and ultrasound devices—for hospitals in Ukraine, supporting urgent healthcare needs during the crisis.

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Totschka

A multilingual community space in Berlin offering educational and cultural programs for families from post-Soviet backgrounds, including Ukrainian refugees.

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ReDI School of Digital Integration

Deliver hands-on digital education and coding camps for children with migration and refugee backgrounds, fostering digital skills and creativity.

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  • Ernst von Bergmann Klinikum – Freundes- und Förderkreis

  • Totschka

  • ReDI School of Digital Integration

2. Civil Society Fund

The Civil Society Fund supports projects across East Germany that promote self-efficacy, belonging, and digital literacy, with a particular emphasis on children and youth.

TUMO Potsdam

TUMO Potsdam is an innovative learning center offering free, hands-on programs in technology and design for young people aged 12 to 18, combining self-paced digital learning with creative workshops in areas like coding, animation, and robotics. More info can be found here.

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Teach First Deutschland

Trained fellows support students in underserved East German schools, providing mentoring and classroom leadership to help young people overcome educational barriers.

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Irrsinnig Menschlich

The initiative strengthens mental health among children and youth through prevention programs, workshops, and awareness campaigns in schools across East Germany.

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Erlebe was geht gGmbH

Mobile workshops and creative educational formats reach children and youth in rural Thuringia, promoting participation and creativity.

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  • TUMO Potsdam

  • Teach First Deutschland

  • Irrsinnig Menschlich

  • Erlebe was geht gGmbH

Our Achievements

Together with our projects we regularly assess the most effective strategies to achieve the agreed goals and ensure that their initiatives can have a lasting contribution.

Emergency Response

>65%

girls as part of the entry-level course participants at ReDI Kids

Civil Society Fund

>80

active mentoring pairs helping students complete their education and transition into working life by ROCK YOUR LIFE! Brandenburg

It starts with a click

You can follow our work and that of our projects on social media and on our websites. The future is bold and full of possibilities – stay tuned for what is next.

Contact

Theresa Hannes

Manager Impact & Business Development



Projects are selected and supported solely at the Foundation’s own initiative. We kindly ask you to refrain from submitting funding requests and ask for your understanding if we must decline them.