About us
The Foundation of German Business (Stiftung der Deutschen Wirtschaft), called SDW for short, was founded in 1994 upon the initiative of the Confederation of German Employers’ Associations (BDA). Among the major players behind SDW are German business associations and the family of Dr. Klaus Murmann, business leader and former BDA president. Furthermore a supporting association of SDW was founded in 1996. Currently, around 80 companies are members of the association.
All SDW activities aim to provide young people with the best possible conditions for a good start to a successful and fulfilling professional career. An issue especially important to SDW is the advancement of entrepreneurial thinking and socially responsible action: In its programmes and projects, SDW encourages young people to be focused about their personal development and to show self-initiative, willingness to innovate and courage in the face of risks. Likewise, SDW is committed to strengthening the participants’ sense of social responsibility.
SDW does not grant funds or donate money to other institutions. Rather, the foundation seeks suitable sponsors and partners to develop its own educational initiatives and to expand programmes that are already in operation. Cooperation partners include federal and state governmental institutions, other large foundations, companies, business associations and corporate educational institutions. Moreover, SDW works closely together with schools, universities and other academic institutions.
The financing of SDW comes from different sources: Revenues from the capital stock form the basis. Further funding is provided by the supporting association, whose members pay in annual contributions. SDW also receives donations. In addition, cooperation partners from the public and private sector invest in joint projects and programmes, and the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) provides grant funds for SDW’s scholarship schemes for gifted students.