Promotes European integration, cultural diversity, and understanding.
The Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. is a German foundation established in 1931 by Hamburg businessman Alfred Toepfer. It focuses on promoting European integration, cultural diversity, and understanding between nations. The foundation is active in the fields of culture, science, education, and nature conservation across Europe. Key areas of the foundation's work include art and culture, education and society, science, and sustainable land use. The organization operates its own projects and programs, rarely providing funding based on external applications. When it does offer grants, they are typically limited to a maximum of €5,000 per project, with a preference for smaller amounts. The foundation runs several notable initiatives, including the European Scholarship Programme, which supports European students pursuing master's degrees in Germany. It also awards various prizes, such as the Herder Prize for scholars and artists from Central and Southeastern Europe, and the Heinrich Tessenow Medal for architecture. To be eligible for funding, applicants generally need non-profit status or must collaborate with a non-profit organization. The foundation prioritizes projects that bring people together, are volunteer-driven, or innovative. It does not typically fund regular operations of existing institutions, scholarships, or individual aid. The Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. maintains a commitment to critically examining its own history and that of its founder.