Promotes social reform through research and innovative projects.
The Bertelsmann Stiftung is one of Germany's largest private operating foundations, established in 1977 by Reinhard Mohn. Based in Gütersloh, it focuses on promoting social reform and development through research, analysis, and pilot projects in areas such as education, democracy, Europe, health, values, and the economy. The foundation operates independently and is politically neutral. It does not provide grants but rather conceives, initiates, and implements its own projects. Key activities include conducting studies, organizing events, and developing policy recommendations. The Bertelsmann Stiftung collaborates with partners from academia, civil society, and the public sector to address societal challenges. In 2022, the foundation had a budget of approximately €75 million for its nonprofit work. While specific project financing amounts are not publicly disclosed, the foundation invests in a wide range of initiatives across its focus areas. Recent projects have included studies on digital skills in the German labor market, the development of SDG indicators for municipalities, and analyses of global transformation processes through the BTI Transformation Index. The Bertelsmann Stiftung aims to strengthen civil society and help individuals reach their full potential by providing access to knowledge, expertise, and innovative solutions for pressing social issues. Its work has both a national and international scope, with a particular emphasis on evidence-based policymaking and fostering dialogue across sectors.