Companies contribute towards the development of their region and society primarily by providing sustainable employment. In addition, a foundation in particular provides the opportunity to support socially relevant schemes in a targeted manner. For this reason, IVG established a foundation in 2006 endowed with EUR 5 million. Providing support by means of a foundation is characterised by particular continuity: in times of economic difficulties, the assets of a foundation may not be utilised for any other purpose. These assets are solely, and permanently, deployed for the goals of the foundation. In this era of globalisation, the establishment of a foundation represents a clear signal of a long-term and irreversible sense of responsibility in terms of one’s own community and of society.
Promotional focus: Science, Culture and Social Issues
The IVG Foundation is managed purely as a supporting foundation and does not employ any staff members. The foundation does not carry out its own projects but rather supports charitable organisations that pursue the same goals as the IVG Foundation. Despite the international financial crisis, something that has also left its mark on the asset situation of foundations, the IVG Foundation provided around EUR 98,000 for charitable projects in 2008.
The main focus in the area of science was the promotion of property research and teaching at the European Business School (Real Estate Management Institute) and at the University of Regensburg (Department of Real Estate). One of the particular longer-term focuses in the area of cultural promotion is supporting the Beethoven-Haus in Bonn, Germany. Activities in social issues included promoting the concept of a hospice and the restoration of a school playing field. The concentrated allocation of resources and longer-term advancement of society are the maxims of social promotion policies.
The members of the Foundation’s Board of Management are: