Anniversary in Freiburg: 100 years of the foundation’s commitment to students!

Anniversary in Freiburg: 100 years of the foundation’s commitment to students!

On June 12, 2025, the Friends of the University of Freiburg will celebrate an important anniversary. The association, which has around 650 members, is a home for private individuals and companies that are actively committed to supporting students. The annual funding volume from membership fees amounts to around 45,000 euros.

The association also operates 15 foundations. These include well-known names such as the Gesa Hartmann Foundation, the KStV Bavaria Foundation and the Maria Ladenburger Foundation. The total assets of these foundations are around 3.8 million euros, which leads to a funding volume of around 100,000 euros. These financial resources are crucial to support various projects and initiatives that benefit students.

Ceremony and program

The ceremony to mark the anniversary will take place in the “Zur Lieben Hand” house at Löwenstrasse 16 and begins at 7 p.m. Those interested are asked to register. The program will be opened by chairwoman Eva von Rekowski. The welcoming speakers include Prof. Dr. Kerstin Krieglstein, the rector of the University of Freiburg, and Martin Horn, the mayor of the city of Freiburg.

A highlight of the evening is a panel discussion on the topic “100 years of commitment to students: The importance of foundations, universities and social organizations for student support”. Important personalities take part in this conversation, including Friederike Ladenburger from the Maria Ladenburger Foundation, Dr. Ernst Ulrich Dobler, an auditor, and Prof. Dr. Andrea Kiesel from the Institute of Psychology. The discussion will be moderated by Prof. Dr. Gisela Riescher, a board member of the association.

Insights into student support

A report on the association's student support will also be presented as part of the ceremony. Prof. Dr. Hans Spada focuses on the main areas of funding, while students report on the projects that were realized with the support of the association. The Uni Big Band Freiburg combo provides a festive setting and provides musical accompaniment during the celebrations.

The importance of foundations in Germany should not be underestimated. According to the Federal Association of German Foundations, many of these institutions are crucial for social and economic development. Foundations play a central role in financing projects and initiatives that serve the common good. Information on the size and importance of foundations can be found, for example, on the federal association's website, where comprehensive statistics and analyzes are available that address the impact of these organizations on society.

The Association of Friends of the University of Freiburg is therefore not only an association for the promotion of the academic world, but also an important player in the non-profit sector. His commitment to students and support of their projects underlines the relevance of such institutions. For further information about foundations in Germany, we recommend the detailed reports from the Federal Association of German Foundations, which shed light on various key figures and framework conditions.

Visit the main page for more information: Federal Association of German Foundations and Fact sheet foundations in Germany.