Profile
The Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. was established in 1931 as the "Stiftung F.V.S zu Hamburg" by Alfred C. Toepfer, the Hamburg merchant and farmer. Throughout his lifetime, Toepfer never clarified whether the initials F.V.S referred to Prussian reformer Freiherr vom Stein or to poet and philosopher Friedrich von Schiller. After his death in 1993, Alfred Toepfer’s name was added to that of the foundation.
Although similar procedures continue to be followed, the image and objectives of the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. have evidently changed. To this end, the foundation has repeatedly sought to critically and candidly re-examine its own history and that of its founder.
According to its statutes [pdf], the foundation is now committed to promoting European unification and ensuring cultural diversity alongside understanding between the countries of Europe. As a private, non-profit-making foundation it is active in the domains of European integration, international understanding, art and culture, science, nature conservation, and youth work. Further activities extend into the fields of agriculture and forestry, as well as the preservation of historical monuments. The Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. regards itself as an operation with its own projects and programmes and only in exceptional cases grants sponsorship on application.
Since 2005 the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. build on its achievements to date and aim to extend this work, along with existing partnerships, in strategic new directions. For this reason, work in former spheres of interest, will be discontinued and the foundation will focus its activities on three main working areas and two special spheres of interest. Following the foundation’s statutes, this new programme of work sets out "to move forward with an innovative and outward-looking attitude."
Investing in People
The main working area Investing in People is born out of the conviction that the individual’s contribution is vital to the common good and so the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. regularly honours special achievements in the fields of art, culture, science and society and supports talents throughout Europe with awards and scholarships. Through its sustained programme of work with award-winners and scholars in the European Network the foundation hopes to focus on new lines in European intellectual and cultural life and, in this way, make its own contribution to European integration and development.
Discussion of Values
Charitable foundations are fortunate to be able to question and examine the contemporary situation from a position of independence and the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. does this through continuous engagement with social change and with developments in the arts and sciences. As part of its second main working area, Discussion of Values, the foundation intends to look into the prevailing importance of values in European culture. Until 2010 special projects will be dedicated to encourage the dialogue about values between the cultures.
Social Innovation
Innovation is a pre-requisite for social development. Whilst economic innovation is driven by the market, reforms in the community require human perseverance and vision, as well as a willingness to take risks. In its third main working area, Social Innovation, the Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. seeks to foster and encourage social innovation through varied schemes and projects.
Hamburg Moments
The Alfred Toepfer Stiftung F.V.S. attaches particular importance to its special place in the lively, cosmopolitan city of Hamburg. The sphere of interest, Hamburg Moments, is intended to make a contribution to the city’s cultural diversity and urban integration.
Nature@toepfer-fvs.de
Throughout his life, Alfred Toepfer remained dedicated to nature conservation and the upkeep of nature reserves. In recognition of the founder’s particular interest in this area, the foundation’s special sphere of interest, "nature" is intended to develop its traditional commitment in this area using up-to-date methods.
