Digitization of Foundations

This year, WHU Foundation made a valuable contribution to the 6th Cologne Foundation Day, which took place in the Cologne Chamber of Industry and Commerce offices on October 2. Together with Martin Bock of the Gold-Kraemer-Foundation, Dr. Peter Kreutter, Director of the WHU Foundation, hosted a workshop which focused on "Digitization of Foundations". At the beginning of the event, all participants were welcomed by Andreas Wolter, Mayor of the City of Cologne, and Dr. Ulrich S. Soénius, Chairman of the Board of Kölner Stiftungen e. V. Additionally, the journalist and author Jürgen Wiebicke gave a keynote speech in which he presented his thoughts on "How does civic spirit arise? Democracy and commitment". Four interactive workshops, that took place subsequently, formed the core of the event.

In the 90 minute workshop hosted by the WHU Foundation and the Gold-Kraemer-Foundation, the participants discussed what effects the pandemic had on the digitization path of foundations, its current status quo, and in which areas there is still a need for further action. The need for inclusive design of digital communication had a particular focus in the workshop discussion. Martin Bock presented the experiences of the Gold-Kraemer-Foundation in this regard. A joint lunch for all participants offered the opportunity for further exchange.

The organizers had decided on a new format this time to ensure a safe event for all participants despite the pandemic.

About the Cologne Foundation Day

The Cologne Foundation Day has been organized by the Verein Kölner Stiftungen e. V. (Cologne Foundation Association) since 2006 and is held every three years. It serves to establish contact between citizens and Cologne's foundations as well as to promote exchange and closer networking among representatives of Cologne's foundations. For citizens the Cologne Foundation Day is an ideal opportunity to obtain information on various issues relating to foundation and to gain an insight into the opportunities for civic engagement.

The article “NPO in der Corona-Pandemie“ from Dr. Peter Kreutter on the topic of digitization of non-profit organizations can be found here (in German).