Events

Safely moving forward: Perspectives in the foundation sector

Developments that affect our society as a whole also influence the activities and the opportunities of charitable foundations. Today they act in an increasingly complex, volatile environment, are suddenly faced with new tools and channels for philanthropy, and are being asked more and more whether they are really living up to their role as an important – financially and political independent – catalyst for civil society

We too believe it is important to reflect on what we do and find answers to these questions, and so we want to contribute to a critical discussion of the aims and functions of foundations today and in the future. For this reason, we initiated a series of events in 2019 in cooperation with the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft (Donors' association for the promotion of humanities and sciences in Germany) and Lübeck University. Four symposia have taken place so far:

Threat or enrichment? Artificial intelligence on the rise (2024)

The developments in artificial intelligence (AI) are being followed not only by enthusiastic supporters, but also by harsh critics. While critics denounce the risk of discrimination, the lack of transparency, the lack of data protection, incorrect algorithm decisions, regulatory gaps or the lack of ethical guidelines, supporters speak of promoting innovation, economic development and increasing efficiency, from which many areas of our lives benefit. The symposium intended to clarify existing questions, provide insights into the subject of AI and enable practical encounters with AI in the context of the workshops.

"Foundations in Transition" - Perspectives in the Foundation Sector (2022)

Climate change, sustainability, democracy and new ways of philanthropy are buzzwords of today. They move society and threaten to divide it, or at least that is increasingly claimed. How can we bring the most diverse ideas about life back together? What tasks can foundations take on to support society? What paths of engagement can still be taken?

“The Changing Face of Foundations” – Perspectives for the non-profit sector (2020)

a joint project between Lübeck University, Stifterverband für die deutsche Wissenschaft, Gesellschaft zur Beförderung gemeinnütziger Tätigkeit von 1795 (Society for the promotion of charity work) and the Possehl Foundation.

Investing in a low-interest environment, partnerships – or better not? Liability risk – and if so, where? Merging two foundations – an opportunity to save them both? What is the right fundraising strategy for my organisation? Plenty of questions that are not new, but are of importance and concern for foundations, were the subject of a round table discussion moderated by Michaela Wilske (Possehl Foundation)  and in a number of workshops.

“Safely forwards” – Prospects for successions and foundations (2019)

a joint project between Lübeck University, Stifterverband für die deutsche Wissenschaft and the Possehl Foundation.

“What will happen to my company when I am no longer involved?” This and other questions were discussed with politicians, business people and representatives of non-profit foundations in our symposium. The participants looked at various models for ensuring a sustainable succession process for companies. NDR presenter Andreas Bormann moderated the panel discussion with Dr Andreas Schlüter (General Secretary of the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft e. V.), Dr Sven Murmann (publisher and managing shareholder of Murmann Publishers and Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft), Dr Joachim Brenk (Managing director of L. Possehl & Co. mbH) and Ina and Michael Haukohl (Michael Haukohl Foundation). Two round table discussions beforehand provided an opportunity to talk to experts about donating to a foundation.