“Aufwind” – Engaging Foundations in Eastern Germany

“Aufwind” is a joint initiative by Beisheim Foundation and DROSOS FOUNDATION to foster lively and trusting relationships between civil society actors in Eastern Germany and private funding foundations. The centre of the initiative is formed by three public welfare organisations based in Central Germany, the so-called “nodes” (Knotenpunkte in German). They have broad networks with actors and civil society organisations in their environment. The nodes pool knowledge about the needs, concerns and new ideas of those involved. Within the framework of “Aufwind”, the nodes develop new formats for a lively dialogue between their civil society network and the foundation world. They advise representatives of foundations on current needs and developments in the thematic fields they represent and support civil society organisations from their network in the development of fundable concepts. This makes them attractive interfaces for foundations that want to get involved in eastern Germany.