Society

The younger and older generations sitting together at a table

Encouraging social change - that is the Bertelsmann Stiftung's watchword and our mission. We carry out projects that break new ground and move society forward. We want our work to inspire reforms that contribute to a sustainable society.

Focus areas

Demographic change

Demographic change is the central challenge facing Germany and our society. The issue of demographic change is increasingly shaping the character of our political and social debate, since the future of our society depends on successfully meeting this challenge. Many decision makers have not yet realized that far more is at stake than securing our social systems.

Integration

Integration happens at the community level. Cities and towns can benefit from their new members-if they are able to maximize the potential of long-time as well as newly arrived residents. But integrating many different immigrant groups into the local resident population is not without its conflicts. The challenge is to develop integration as a community-wide effort under community management.

Communities and Regions

The future of Germany's cities and towns is a timely topic, albeit one that is often ignored in the general debate on public sector reform. The desire to reform government structures combined with increasingly limited public funds has meant that the policymaking debate has generally focused on the need for cross-party alliances, self-initiative on the part of individual citizens and new perceptions of the state as a "facilitator." In each of these areas, local-level governments have a wealth of experience.

Intercultural dialogue

Open exchange above and beyond cultural borders is essential for promoting tolerance and understanding. The International Cultural Dialogues search for pan-cultural approaches to bridging the gap between different lifestyles.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

With its Corporate Social Responsibility project, the Bertelsmann Stiftung continues the longstanding social and entrepreneurial commitment of its founder, Reinhard Mohn. The project's main objective is to encourage businesses to address their corporate social responsibilities.

Future of Civil Society

Every society depends on the dedication of its citizens. Whether through service provision or community efforts, civic engagement allows individuals to find common ground with each other. The Bertelsmann Stiftung therefore supports social engagement and the development of the nonprofit sector.

Democracy and Integration Promoting Democratic ValuesCombating Right-Wing ExtremismIntegration in communitiesMigration and Integration in Europe	Communities and Regions
Corporate Social Responsibility	The future of civil society Orientation for Social InvestorsFoundationsYouth and involvementCommunity foundationsPlacing civil society on the economic map