© Mark Neville, "Kristina in Troyitske, Eastern Ukraine, an hour after the shelling, 2016", first published in "Stop Tanks With Books", 2022
The Mission
Enabling better living conditions for the next generations: That is our goal at the Allianz Foundation. We unite courageous voices, bold ideas and creative initiatives, giving them a platform to tackle the challenges of our times, take risks and lead the way.
Who we are.
As an independent foundation, the Allianz Foundation pursues three strategic goals:
For empowered people – Supporting the marginalized and creating equal opportunities
For open societies – Promoting open, diverse and resilient societies
For a living planet – Combatting climate change and protecting a livable planet
The Foundation promotes and supports people and organizations who face the challenges of our times. We support and connect risktakers from the areas of civil society, environmental protection, and arts and culture – everyone who dares to test new societal models of living together beyond the beaten path.
There is a great deal at stake. We are confronted with rising nationalism, widening social divisions and accelerating climate change – global crises that are intrinsically intertwined. Where sea levels rise, social hostility follows. The ground for right-wing narratives grows where the societal climate passes a tipping point.
The Allianz Foundation is positioned at the interface of these challenges. We are working towards solutions that challenge conventional paradigms. The risks for the future are incalculable if we do not act today.
Allianz Foundation begins where Allianz Kulturstiftung and Allianz Umweltstiftung become one. We unite courageous voices, bold ideas and creative initiatives, giving them a platform to tackle the challenges of our times, take risks and lead the way.
Design/concept kellerundlieder.de, Animation: mob-design.de, Berlin & plan p GmbH Filmproduktion, Hamburg
For empowered people.
A strong Europe thrives on its diverse and creative perspectives. Let’ s create and maintain spaces for next generations to gather.
For open societies.
Nationalism and authoritarianism threaten open societies in a united Europe. Let's give next generations the tools to vitalize the European project.
For a living planet.
Climate change directly impacts future living conditions. Let's enable next generations in their fight for climate justice.
What we do.
Our goals: Strengthen civil society, foster cultural innovation and accelerate the transformation of our societies towards carbon neutrality.
We do this by combining cultural and artistic approaches, civic engagement and climate action in a holistic way.
We support initiatives with a focus on civil society, the environment, culture and the arts. We have a particular focus on projects working at the interface of these areas and aiming for systemic change. Regular calls on specific topic areas are published on our website. The Allianz Foundation Board of Trustees decides on the allocation of funds.
Three flagship programs support our mission:
Allianz Foundation Hubs – Regional platforms from civil society, arts and culture, forming a European network working on solutions for the pressing societal questions of our times.
Allianz Foundation Study – Regular representative surveys in five European countries exploring how the next generations see the risks and chances in sustainable transformation of our societies.
Allianz Foundation Fellows – Stipends and networking opportunities for inspiring pioneers and activists who are committed to open societies and climate justice.
We work with a pan-European network of partners and funding projects. Europe is our home and the center of our activities. However, in order to live up to our values we acknowledge that our responsibilities must not stop at borders. That is why we collaborate with individuals and organizations beyond Europe, particularly in countries with politically and socially fragile environments in the Mediterranean.
Understand
What is on the minds of next generations when they think about tomorrow? Only if we know their aspirations and understand their needs will our contribution be truly effective. The Allianz Foundation Study aims to do just that. It starts with asking questions and furthermore: listening to the answers.
Empower
We want to equip Risktakers with the resources and access they need to champion their cause and expand the scope of their action. We support our Allianz Foundation Fellows in this with fellowships and link them to each other.
Connect
With the Allianz Foundation Hubs, we link local initiatives in Europe and the Mediterranean and create cross-disciplinary platforms of exchange. We believe that the search for answers to the big questions of our time can only be successful if it becomes a joint project of the many. Only then will courageous ideas turn into true innovations.
Where we come from.
The Allianz Foundation unites the strengths and missions of the former Allianz Umweltstiftung and the Allianz Kulturstiftung.
The merger took place in 2022. Building upon the rich legacy of the predecessor organizations, the Allianz Foundation will pursue its goals while responding to the demands of our times.
The societal circumstances have changed dramatically since the founding of Allianz Umweltstiftung in 1989 and Allianz Kulturstiftung in 2000 – initially founded with the purpose of fostering social cohesion in Europe and sustaining a world worth living in. A common, systemic approach is needed to react to these changes.
Allianz Foundation is a non-profit, private foundation under civil law with offices next to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. Esra Kücük, the head of the two predecessor organisations, is now leading the Allianz Foundation as Chief Executive Officer.
To underline its commitment to this heritage and to the Foundation’s joint philanthropic mission, our founder Allianz SE has pledged an additional yearly donation.
What we believe.
The work done by the Allianz Foundation is built on the firm belief that open and diverse societies, social justice and a livable environment go hand in hand.
We are convinced that “business as usual” is no longer an option in light of the pressing challenges of our times. The window for preventing climate change from reaching irreversible levels of temperature increases is closing quickly. The war at the heart Europe has shown us the vulnerability of a world order built on peace and collaboration. Increasing nationalism show that solidarity and individual freedom for all are no longer a given but need to be realized every day.
We need a new culture of solidarity, a new relationship between humans and nature, a transformation going beyond political regulation and technological innovation. True change often comes from the margins and niches in society – initiated and pioneered by people outside the mainstream. It can be inspired by artistic forms that examine the previously unfamiliar. Art and culture can especially be catalysts for change because they do not serve a specific purpose. They have the power to create spaces, build bridges and strengthen Europe's civil societies — their pluralism and cohesion — in the long term.
We see Europe not just as a geographical or political entity but as a model of solidarity across borders. This includes the transfer of ideas and practices to and from extra European contexts. Europe can become a powerhouse of transformation. It can stand for diversity, solidarity, and unconditional commitment to a carbon-neutral future – despite all crises. The Allianz Foundation is convinced that the transition towards a climate neutral future is possible without leaving anyone behind, creating a fairer and just society for all.
Our board
- Dr. Werner Zedelius (Chairman), former member of the Board of Management of Allianz SE
- Norbert Schlund, Head of Corporate Law & Governance, Allianz SE
- Lauren Day, Head of Group Communication Allianz SE
- Emilia Macarie, Chief Sustainability Officer Allianz SE
- Dr. Nicole Schneider-Deeg, Senior Legal Counsel, Group Legal Allianz SE
- Ludovic Subran, Chief Economist & Head of Group Economic Research Allianz SE