Through its projects, studies and events, the Bertelsmann Stiftung stimulates debate and provides impetus for social change. Serving the public good and having a sustainable impact are the fundamental principles underlying its activities. The foundation’s initiatives not only generate solutions, they also provide empirically sound guidance for a broad public.
![[Translate to English:] Stiftungsgebäude mit Luftballons vom See aus gesehen](/fileadmin/files/_processed_/1/d/csm_884993052sommerfest-75_ca9cd3a25b.jpg)
Besim Mazhiqi
The Bertelsmann Stiftung
![[Translate to English:] Mehrere Menschen legen ihre Hände übereinander](/fileadmin/files/_processed_/3/6/csm_1160662884Fotolia_45835871_X_1b2c81c6df.jpg)
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What We Stand For
In keeping with the beliefs of our founder, Reinhard Mohn, we are committed to promoting the common good. Freedom, solidarity and goodwill are the values that guide our efforts. We believe that competition and civic engagement are essential for social progress.
![[Translate to English:] Reinhard Mohn und seine Frau beim Richtfest des Stiftungsgebäudes 1990](/fileadmin/files/_processed_/a/b/csm_186663785310436_e424ec6aee.jpg)
Bertelsmann AG
What we've achieved
The Bertelsmann Stiftung was founded by Reinhard Mohn in 1977. In the past year, it invested € 71 million in its nonprofit projects. Each year, it organizes some 220 events. We aim to strengthen society, help people achieve their full potential, and develop the systems needed to achieve those goals.
![[Translate to English:] Frau präsentiert vor Whiteboard in einer Besprechungsszene](/fileadmin/files/_processed_/f/0/csm_1276797902iStock-576902490_MPL_ST-CC_e2da01985e.jpg)
© Getty Images/iStockphoto/alvarez
How We Work
The Bertelsmann Stiftung is a private operating foundation which engages in evidence-based and solely nonprofit activities. We design and initiate our projects ourselves, providing support until they are realized. To that end, we set high standards for our work in terms of quality and social relevance.