ERSTE Foundation

## European Forum Alpbach ## Meaningful change emerges from open dialogue, collaboration and the exchange of ideas. The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is a unique platform where diverse voices come together to work on the future of Europe. ## The European Forum Alpbach creates spaces to engage in reflection and action. It is a forum that brings together young people from Europe and from all over the world, connecting them with innovative minds from politics, business, civil society, culture and science to come up with ideas for a strong and democratic Europe. As a foundation dedicated to preserving and building democracy in Europe, we have closely collaborated with the European Forum Alpbach for many years. The forum provides an invaluable platform to bring our policy-oriented work to life. At Alpbach, we take an active role in shaping content, hosting sessions across a wide range of topics and bringing people together. From the very beginning, the »International University Weeks«, founded in 1945 and renamed European Forum Alpbach in 1949, attracted numerous young people who were actively involved in the resistance against National Socialism. The founders envisioned a comprehensive renewal of intellectual life in Europe. Together with a circle of like-minded people, they advocated for a political unification of Europe, which was seen as the only way to prevent war-like conflicts between the European peoples in the future.  [alpbach.org](http://alpbach.org) #### Partner European Forum Alpbach *All photos: ERSTE Foundation at EFA24 (C) European Forum Alpbach – Ioana Cirlig*

## Erste Social Finance ## Erste Social Finance Holding was established as a joint venture between the ERSTE Foundation and Erste Group with the goal of spreading prosperity and providing access to financial services for all. Impact organisations can play an important role to tackle societal problems while at the same time creating jobs and positive perspectives in the regions they are active in. While social businesses are already well established in Western Europe, they still face significant challenges in CEE. Building the capacities necessary to get from a great idea to a sustainable social business is key for future success. Access to financial resources is often still hard to get. Erste Social Finance aims to help unleashing the potential impact organizations have to strengthen a prosperous and democratic Europe. Erste Social Finance follows an inclusive approach: - Its impact program [MARC](https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/marc-where-impact-leads-the-way/) offers tailor-made support to social ventures and organizations to increase the resilience of their business and improve their investment-readiness - It develops inclusive finance products and services for high-impact organizations as well as marginalized groups ranging from grants to social banking and social finance - It is ready to develop social finance risk models and procedures to foster social innovation in and across countries via instruments like social impact bonds or strategic impact investments - It aims to help creating long-term solutions as a first mover. When it comes to topics like social housing or impact investment, the legal environment differs from country to country. With ERSTE Stiftung as an patient investor, Erste Social Finance has the possibility to help develop new markets as it can advocate for and support improvements in legal and regulatory environments. Erste Social Finance offers key instruments and support to foster businesses and organizations striving for measurable social or environmental impact. Not only does this help solving societal challenges, but it creates job, promotes self-employment, and improves financial stability. Its innovative services and activities provide prove that there’s no contradiction between impact and sustainable profit. [erstesocialfinance.com](https://www.erstesocialfinance.com/en/home) #### Partner Erste Group

## Europe’s Futures Initiative (EFI) ## The Europe’s Futures Initiative (EFI) is a membership-based organisation which will be headquartered in Vienna. Designed to be a pan-European accelerator for innovation in policy, governance, and civic engagement, EFI is a policy powerhouse, deeply embedded in the European policymaking ecosystem. EFI ist set up to deliver timely, relevant, and actionable policy advice and action. It addresses the complex challenges facing Europe today, from geopolitical instability to democratic backsliding, by connecting intellectual rigor with practical solutions. EFI’s focus is to generate impact through inclusive, scalable, democratic strategies, in the pursuit of a more confident, resilient, and united Europe. What sets EFI apart is its commitment to inclusivity and action. It brings together changemakers from across Europe—north, south, east, and west—to co-create solutions rooted in shared values. Whether rethinking migration policy for social cohesion, designing education systems that foster collaboration, or restoring trust in democratic institutions, EFI transforms bold ideas into actionable strategies. EFI is committed to inclusive, bottom-up governance. Governed democratically by its members—[Europe’s Futures](https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/projects/europes-futures/) Fellows—who actively contribute to its strategic direction. Its Vienna headquarters is as a central hub for research, dialogue, and collaboration. EFI builds on the Europe’s Futures Fellowship, a successful initiative launched in 2018 by ERSTE Foundation and the Institute for Human Sciences (IWM), which has brought together a vibrant network of handpicked policy experts, academics and practitioners from across the globe, committed to democratic values and European cooperation. Former Europe’s Futures Fellows are invited to join as members of EFI. Alexander Schallenberg, former Austrian Chancellor and Foreign Minister, serves as President of EFI. He and the board are responsible for overseeing finances, governance and strategic direction. Francesco Rocchetti, the former General Secretary of the Italian think-tank ISPI, has been appointed as EFI’s director. Europe’s Futures Initiative will officially open on 1 January 2026. To be kept up-to-date with information regarding the launch, please subscribe to our newsletter: [Newsletter Registration](https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/newsletter/) *Header image: Past, Present, Future – Aldo Giannotti*

## Professional Integration HUB ## Highly qualified Ukrainian professionals temporarily residing in Austria bring with them particular potential for the labour market and want to work. Through the Professional Integration HUB, we facilitate their professional advancement and provide initial prospects for a successful integration into the labour market in partnership with leading institutions and organisations in Austria. Since February 2022, around 57,700 people of working age (the vast majority of them women) have fled from Ukraine to Austria. Very few of them manage to find a job immediately. The Professional Integration HUB was founded in spring 2024 to place highly qualified professionals from Ukraine in paid and supervised internships with organisations and companies, financed by scholarships.  The Professional Integration HUB is a long-term internship programme for Ukrainians residing in Austria as a result of Russia‘s aggression against Ukraine. The goal of the programme is to facilitate the career advancement of Ukrainian professionals by integrating them into the European labour market. Additionally, the experience they gain through the programme will make a significant contribution to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine and its integration into the EU. Achieving these goals involves the most effective form of professional education—internships in relevant positions at leading institutions and organisations in Austria. The duration of the internship is limited to three months. The HUB provides comprehensive organisational support throughout the programme. Participation in the programme provides an opportunity, among other benefits, to familiarise oneself with the specifics of labour relations in Austria, management procedures, requirements for professionals, and their specialisation, giving people a chance to become part of the European professional community. [professionalhub.at](http://professionalhub.at) #### Partner European Centre for Freedom and Independence Intenship partners: Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy; Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection; Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology; Salzburger Kunstverein; Graz Museum; Josephinum – Medizinische Sammlungen GmbH; MuseumsQuartier E+B GesmbH; Office Ukraine Vienna; Office Ukraine Graz; C/O VIENNA MAGAZINE; Schenker Salvi Weber Architekten ZT GmbH; KDZ Centre for Public Administration Research; Impact Hub Vienna GmbH; Austrian National Tourist Office; L&R Social Research *All photos: Mariia Klymenko*

## Erste Financial Life Park (FLiP) ## The Erste Financial Life Park is an extraordinary place that explains economic and financial topics in an innovative way through an interactive tour. It teaches basic economics and the necessary skills for handling money on a daily basis. Tailored to different age groups, young people learn from the FLiP’s activities for life. And it’s fun! Those who are good with money and understand basic economics often have it easier in life. Young people who fall into debt at an early age and thus deprive themselves of many opportunities often simply lack the necessary knowledge to assess the consequences of their actions. With its interactive tours, the Erste Financial Life Park (FLiP) sparks the interest of children, young people and adults in the economy in a playful way. By allowing different age groups to try out financial decisions, it promotes financial responsibility. It’s not a marketing tool but a fact-based centre for knowledge-transfer and a platform for financial education that has recently expanded towards other locations. The FLiP works transparently and without judgment, talks openly about all topics and strives for clear, simple and understandable answers. Most importantly, by implementing modern didactics it proves that learning is also fun. The Erste Financial Life Park belongs to [Erste Social Finance Holding](https://www.erstestiftung.org/projects/erste-social-finance-holding/), of which ERSTE Foundation owns 51 percent. Together with ERSTE Foundation, Johannes Kepler University Linz, Three Coins and the Austrian Ministry of Finance, the FLiP awards the [Kardea!-prize](http://www.kardea.org) for the best ideas on handling money by children and young adults.  [financiallifepark.at](https://www.financiallifepark.at/) #### Partner [Erste Social Finance Holding](https://www.erstestiftung.org/projects/erste-social-finance-holding/) *All photos: Marlena König*

## Open Future Lab ## The Open Future Lab is committed to advancing financial well-being and autonomy. This nurtures resilient and inclusive communities where individuals have the tools to shape their own lives. The Open Future Lab is dedicated to inspiring long-term thinking and proactive initiative. Our mission is to promote financial well-being and autonomy, which we consider to be essential foundations for resilient and inclusive communities whose members have the freedom and joy of shaping their own lives. In today’s rapidly changing world, technology and circumstances continuously evolve, creating new opportunities and challenges. More than ever, it is crucial to maintain a focus on the human dimension and adopt a long-term societal perspective. At the Open Future Lab, we emphasise the importance of empathy, understanding and innovation to drive cultural and social change, ensuring a positive future and enhanced financial well-being for everyone. [openfuturelab.org](https://www.openfuturelab.org/) #### Partner *Header image: Valerie Maltseva*

## Pluralis ## Pluralis invests in successful media companies that provide independent, quality reporting in European countries where the plural media landscape is at risk. The blended capital fund guarantees editorial independence and supports publishing houses in technical and commercial innovations. Pluralis was founded in 2021 with the aim of preserving media diversity and media freedom in Eastern Europe. The plan is to raise around 100 million euros in order to make targeted investments in Eastern European media companies. By 2024, around 50 million euros in blended capital (shares, bonds and grants from foundations) had been collected. The investor group consists of a diverse supervisory board. It ensures that the goal of strengthening the editorial independence of the media in Eastern Europe is always at the centre of its activities. Pluralis is ERSTE Foundation’s first impact investment. We have invested 2.5 million euros in Pluralis. The Dutch limited company currently has three media companies in its portfolio: the Polish publishing house [Gremi Media](https://gremimedia.pl/), which publishes the daily newspaper Rzeczpospolita; the Slovakian publishing house [Petit Press](https://www.petitpress.sk/), which issues the daily newspaper SME; and the Croatian news platform [Telegram.hr](https://www.telegram.hr/). Further investments are planned. The aim of all these investments is to ensure that at least one independent media company can survive in each Eastern European country. [pluralis.media](https://www.pluralis.media/) #### Partner Media Development Investment Fund, King Baudouin Foundation, Oak Foundation, Soros Economic Development Fund, Mediahuis, Tinius Trust, Limelight Foundation, GLS Bank and various family offices *Header image: A view of the SME newsroom in Bratislava, Slovakia, on 1 December 2018. © SME/Gabriel Kuchta*

## Social Impact Award ## The Social Impact Award (SIA) helps young people discover the world of social entrepreneurship. Since 2009, the SIA has supported young social entrepreneurs in more than 25 countries, creating a deep impact within local communities. The Social Impact Award (SIA) was founded in Austria in 2009 to inspire young people to find solutions to the problems of our time and turn them into sustainable business ideas. It offers young people educational and incubation programmes in more than 25 countries across Europe, Africa and Asia. Events and workshops aim at raising awareness of social entrepreneurship. The SIA provides the necessary skills to turn vague intentions into promising business cases, offers access to networks and rewards the best teams with a prize, the Social Impact Award. Successful solutions are promoted for the problems of our time: increasing emigration, poverty, food waste, climate change, exclusion of people with disabilities and many more. The Impact Ventures contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.  [socialimpactaward.net](http://socialimpactaward.net) #### Partner Social Impact Award *All photos: Social Impact Award*

## NGO Academy ## Our educational programmes strengthen the civil society sector in Central and Eastern Europe. With the NGO Academy, we are investing specifically in the effectiveness and sustainability of civil society organisations. ## The NGO Academy supports 500+ civil society organisations, their employees and thus indirectly their beneficiaries and stakeholders with tailor-made programmes: the Social Innovation and Management Programme, the Regional Programme, Community Led Events, the MSc Social Innovation & Management (CE) and the Civil Society Leadership Programme for Ukraine. Civil society organisations in the CEE region often face similar challenges: repressive governments, little and volatile financing possibilities, little room for building knowledge and methods for professional work as well as a lack of financial means and possibilities to benefit from existing capacity builders. This is where we come in. Capacity building means promoting important new skills within the organisations and preparing them well for future challenges. The NGO Academy is a joint initiative of ERSTE Foundation and the Competence Center for Nonprofit Organizations and Social Entrepreneurship at the Vienna University of Economics and Business. Since its foundation in 2013, we have also been promoting the development of international networks between participants, peers and experts.  Graduation photo: Alek Kawka  Photo: Igor Ripak [ngoacademy.net](http://ngoacademy.net) #### Partner Competence Center for Nonprofit Organizations and Social Entrepreneurship at the Vienna University for Economics and Business, Porticus *Header image: Igor Ripak*

## Policy Labs ## Policy Labs organises biannual workshops and brainstorming sessions designed to assist Ukraine’s post-war recovery efforts and EU accession process through productive cross-sectoral collaborations. Twice a year, Policy Labs brings together experts, policy-makers and practitioners for intensive 3-day workshops. These workshops centre on open dialogue, immersive brainstorming sessions and collaborative efforts to develop solutions to the unique challenges Ukraine faces. With Policy Labs, we encourage cross-sectoral collaborations, guiding Ukraine towards a resilient and sustainable future. Recognising its path to EU membership, we focus on aligning post-war recovery efforts with pre-accession transformation. Policy Labs thrives on best practices, insights from international peers, exchange and moments of inspiration. We create a safe space for different perspectives, bringing together participants from diverse backgrounds who contribute a broad range of ideas. By identifying key opportunities, developing policies and suggesting important legal changes, we create practical solutions that make a real impact. We also work on designing pilot projects in crucial areas to drive positive change and accelerate progress.  [policylabs.net](https://www.policylabs.net/) #### Partner *All photos: Valerie Maltseva*

## Civitates ## Civitates supports organisations striving to tackle Europe’s deepening political polarisation, its shrinking civic space, the decline in independent media and the rise of online disinformation. Each of these developments poses a serious threat to democracy. Civitates is a pooled philanthropic fund that was set up for the sole purpose of addressing democratic decline and narrowing civic space in Europe. The case for confronting these threats is growing increasingly urgent. To this end, we support broad coalitions of civil society groups that actively participate in public life, contribute to open debates and help shape diverse and resilient communities across Europe. In a sub-fund named ›Technology and Democracy‹, we tackle the impact of algorithm-driven technologies on democracy. In particular, we support organisations that advocate for effective EU legislation to curb the spread of online hate, conspiracies and disinformation. The third sub-fund supports independent media organisations that are creating innovative and resilient financial models, which will enable them to engage in fact-based public interest reporting and investigative journalism. Civitates also aims to encourage other funders to invest in the preservation of democracy in Europe. [civitates-eu.org](http://civitates-eu.org) #### Partner Adessium, Bodossaki Foundation, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, European Cultural Foundation, Ford Foundation, Fondation de France, Fritt Ord, Fundacja EFC, Isocrates Foundation, King Baudouin Foundation, Luminate, Oak Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Porticus, Robert Bosch Stiftung, Rudolf Augstein Stiftung, Schöpflin Stiftung, Sigrid Rausing Trust, Stefan Batory Foundation, Stiftung Mercator Schweiz, Vereniging Veronica *Header image: Civitates*

## Two Next ## Digitalisation is a major social challenge. At the same time, it offers enormous opportunities. Together with the social and care sector, Two Next is addressing the question of how digitalisation can be used to solve social problems. Two Next combines research, innovation and digitalisation and puts users and their needs at the centre. The network and community are highly valued in all Two Next activities, as solving social problems requires the interaction of many actors from different sectors. Started as an incubation programme, Two Next supports our partners in initiating projects such as [Frag Tobi](https://frag-tobi.at/) (Ask Tobi) by LebensGroß or the [Elternseite.at](https://elternseite.at/de/home) (Parents’ Page) by SOS Kinderdorf. The COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges to light, including those faced by around one million caregiving relatives. Together with Caritas, Diakonie, Hilfswerk, Rotes Kreuz, Samariterbund and Volkshilfe, ›Alles Clara‹ was therefore initiated to support caregiving relatives and relieve some of their burden. The [Alles Clara](https://www.erstestiftung.org/de/projects/alles-clara/) app has since been developed as a data-secure and user-friendly online counselling infrastructure and core activity of Two Next. In the coming years, it will also be made available for other settings, such as social, family or housing counselling, under the name ›Clara Cares‹, promoting the improvement of data protection and user-friendliness of counselling services. [two-next.com](http://www.two-next.com) #### Partner **In cooperation with** George Labs **Partner** Alles Clara, Wiener Hilfswerk, Steppenwolf, Verein Wohnen, BhW – Bildung hat Wert, LebensGroß, Austrian Blockchain Center, oenpay, WU Vienna, FH St. Pölten, V\_labs *Header image: Ian Ehm*

## Reporting Democracy ## Reporting Democracy is a media platform that supports investigative journalism from and for Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. Journalists receive fellowships for large projects and grants for small-scale research. They can also publish their reports on a cross-regional platform. The media platform Reporting Democracy offers investigative journalists from Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe the opportunity to research topics, trends and events that influence the future of democracy in the region. ERSTE Foundation launched Reporting Democracy together with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) in 2019. The Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence included in the programme has existed since 2007, enabling cross-border reporting with editorial support. In a world of multiple crises, we are witnessing steadily growing nationalism, scepticism towards Europe, extremism, social inequality, disinformation, hatred spread through social media and fear among large parts of the population. That is why we need solidly researched facts on which to base our public debate and political decision-making as well as independent journalists drawing on their excelling training to provide these facts. [reportingdemocracy.org](http://reportingdemocracy.org) #### Partner [Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN)](https://birn.eu.com/) *Header image: [Reporting Democracy Trends Report 2025](https://balkaninsight.com/reporting-democracy/trends-report-2025-trumped-in-central-europe/)*

## European Fund for the Balkans ## The European Fund for the Balkans (EFB) is our contribution to vibrant, democratic societies in the Western Balkans, driven by greater citizen involvement and improved cooperation across the region, all within a clear and credible EU membership path. In 2007, together with other European foundations, we launched the European Fund for the Balkans (EFB). EFB is a joint initiative of Robert Bosch Foundation, King Baudouin Foundation and ERSTE Foundation dedicated to fostering stronger democracies, supporting European integration, and highlighting the vital role of the Western Balkans in shaping Europe’s future. Since its inception, the EFB has opened up communication channels with high-level regional and European decision-making institutions, rounding up the »critical mass« of policy and opinion makers among its community members and thus creating the pre-conditions needed to wield influence on regional policy-making. Our aim is to contribute to the functional democracies in the Western Balkans through a credible EU membership prospect, improved regional cooperation and increased citizen engagement as well as demand for democracy. The Enlargement policy needs to regain political credibility and operate according to the Thessaloniki agenda. We strive for an improved regional cooperation among the civil society actors in the Western Balkans that is based on solidarity, demand-driven dialogue and an ongoing exchange of ideas and opinions. Informed and empowered citizens take action and demand accountable institutions and democracy. [balkanfund.org](http://balkanfund.org) #### Partner Robert Bosch Foundation, King Baudouin Foundation

## Foundation for Economic Literacy ## The Foundation for Economic Literacy supports schools and teachers with programmes that teach economic, financial and future-oriented skills in the most inspiring and application-oriented way possible. The platform was founded by a broad alliance of partners to provide young people with a set of skills that will allow them to make smart decisions. An understanding of basic economics and personal finances can go a long way in helping people cope well in life. With its programmes, the Foundation for Economic Literacy supports schools and teachers in imparting this knowledge to pupils in an inspiring and practical way. How to handle money is just as much a part of the curriculum, which has been aligned with the Ministry of Education, as is an understanding of the interplay between the economy, the environment and democracy. All activities are designed to make it easy for young people to participate in shaping the economy and society in every role of their future lives in a critical, free and responsible way. After all, we are all part of the economy and we can all help to shape it. ERSTE Foundation and the other six founding partners of the Foundation for Economic Literacy form a broad civil society alliance. We are united by the conviction that all these skills are essential for leading a good life. [stiftung-wirtschaftsbildung.at](http://www.stiftung-wirtschaftsbildung.at) #### Partner Chamber of Labour, Federation of Austrian Industries, Innovationsstiftung für Bildung, MEGA Bildungsstiftung, Oesterreichische Nationalbank, Austrian Federal Economic Chamber *Header image: © Stiftung für Wirtschafsbildung Stefan Joham*

## Europe’s Futures ## Europe’s Futures is dedicated to bringing together leading political thinkers to reflect on the state and future of liberal democracy—and of liberalism more broadly. Over the past decade, the liberal world order established after the Cold War has collapsed. What the world is witnessing is not just a crisis of liberalism but an illiberal revolution. The effects of this are acutely felt across Europe, as the European Union is, at its core, a liberal project. The programme is based on the conviction that, in the face of profound challenges, liberalism can only be revived if some of its concepts and practices are subjected to critical reassessment. A select group of fellows will be invited to explore—from their intellectual perspectives and in dialogue with one another—the societal shifts fuelling today’s illiberal revolution and to examine fundamental assumptions underpinning the liberal project. In the 2025-26 academic year, Europe’s Futures Fellowships have been awarded to Francis Fukuyama, Leonie Haiden, Michael Ignatieff, Maciej Kisilowski, Hana Martínková, Yascha Mounk, James C. O’Brien, Tomáš Sedláček, Assaf Sharon, and Lea Ypi. Europe’s Futures was initiated in strategic partnership with the [Institute for Human Sciences](http://www.iwm.at). Originally conceived by former Permanent Fellow Ivan Vejvoda, the programme engaged forty-eight fellows in its first cycle (2018 – 2024), who developed [policy responses to the ongoing political crises in Europe](http://europesfutures.eu). Their work focused on three key areas: value challenges arising from a perceived failure of Europe to deliver on its promises and articulate a positive vision for the future; internal challenges such as the erosion of democratic structures, institutions, and rights in European countries; and external challenges including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the stalled accession process in the Western Balkans, and forced migration. The alumni network will continue its collaborative efforts through the »[Europe’s Futures Initiative](https://www.erstestiftung.org/en/projects/europes-futures-initiative-efi/)«, an independent Vienna-based association established under the auspices of ERSTE Foundation. Set to start operations by 2026, the Europe’s Futures Initiative will focus on policy development and advocacy in support of democratic development in Europe.  [europesfutures.eu](http://europesfutures.eu) #### Partner Institute for Human Sciences (IWM) *All photos: Valerie Maltseva*