Gemeinnützige Hertie Stiftung
The
Gemeinnützige Hertie-Stiftung
editAbout Us
editThe Gemeinnützige Hertie-Stiftung, founded in 1974, builds on the life’s work of Georg Karg, the former owner of Hertie Waren- und Kaufhaus GmbH. Today, the foundation is one of the largest and ideologically independent foundations in Germany.
Key Products and Services
editThe Hertie-Stiftung focuses on two central guiding themes:
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Exploring the Brain: The focus here is on clinical brain research and combating brain diseases. Initiatives include the Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, the Hertie Institute for AI in Brain Health, and the Eric Kandel Young Neuroscientists Prize[2][4].
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Strengthening Democracy: The foundation promotes programs that impart knowledge and skills in democracy, such as the Hertie School, the START program, Youth Debates, MITWIRKEN, and Youth Decides[2][4].
Mission and Values
editThe mission of the Hertie-Stiftung is to find solutions that benefit humanity and lead to concrete improvements in living conditions. The foundation's motto "Initiate. Move. Impact." reflects its commitment to shaping and its long-term approach. It combines conceptual and operational actions and operates according to the principles of impact and cost-effectiveness[4].
Sustainability Goals and Initiatives
editThe Hertie-Stiftung is committed to achieving sustainable and long-term improvements. It invests between 25 and 30 million euros annually in its funding projects and has an asset base of around 1.2 billion euros. The foundation supports innovative projects and promotes scientific young talent, particularly in the fields of brain research and democracy education[2][4].
Historical Background
editThe Hertie-Stiftung has its roots in the Hertie Waren- und Kaufhaus GmbH, which was founded in 1882 by Hermann Tietz and his nephew Oscar Tietz. After the Aryanization of the department store chain by the National Socialists and the subsequent takeover by Georg Karg, the assets were transferred to the Gemeinnützige Hertie-Stiftung in 1974. Since 1998, there has been no corporate affiliation, and the foundation operates completely independently[2][3][4].
The Hertie-Stiftung stands for committed and responsible foundation action that is oriented towards the needs of society and strives for sustainable positive change.