The Robert Bosch Stiftung is one of Europe's largest private foundations associated with a company. It focuses on three main areas: Health, Education, and Global Issues. In the Global Issues area, the foundation addresses challenges like climate change, democracy, immigration, inequality, migration, and peace. The foundation's work is funded by dividends from its 94% shareholding in Robert Bosch GmbH. In 2023, it provided grants worth approximately 100 million euros. While specific project funding amounts are not publicly disclosed, the foundation supports a wide range of initiatives, from small local projects to large-scale international programs. To receive funding, organizations must align with the foundation's focus areas and demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing societal challenges. The foundation prioritizes projects that amplify underrepresented voices and promote systemic change. Recent initiatives include the "Building Power for Economic Justice" program, which will provide 1.6 million euros to 8 organizations over 5 years, focusing on care, technology, and wealth. The foundation also supports the VILNO educational program in Ukraine, helping war veterans reintegrate into civilian life, and has contributed to the Solidarity Fund for Ukraine, providing emergency aid and educational support.
The Robert Bosch Stiftung's Global Issues support area, which focuses on topics like inequality, climate change, and democracy, aligns well with the European Housing Cooperative's (EHC) goals. The foundation could potentially support EHC through its programs addressing systemic inequalities and promoting sustainable urban development. The foundation's approach of bringing together diverse stakeholders to tackle complex social challenges could benefit EHC's co-creation process. Financial support could come in the form of project funding or grants to develop EHC's organizational capacity and expand its network across Europe. The Robert Bosch Stiftung has previously supported initiatives like the "Building Power for Economic Justice" program, which distributed funds to organizations working on issues of care, technology, and wealth. This demonstrates the foundation's interest in innovative approaches to economic and social justice. Other relevant past projects include support for the Berlin School of Public Engagement and Open Science and a transnational network for deforestation-free supply chains. These examples show the foundation's willingness to back collaborative, cross-border initiatives addressing systemic issues. To pursue support, EHC could engage with the foundation to explore potential alignments and funding opportunities that match their mission of creating affordable, sustainable housing cooperatives across Europe.