University Foundation Bayreuth launched

The University of Bayreuth has been assigned a support foundation since 20.12.2022. The chairman of the new foundation is the chairman of the Bayreuth University Association, former mayor Dr. Michael Hohl. "With the University Foundation, we are playing in a different league," says Michael Hohl. "Even though the University Association has been doing excellent work as a support association since the founding of the university, our options are limited." In contrast to the non-profit association, which is characterised by the tax law requirement of timely use of funds and thus cannot build up assets, a foundation aims to maintain its asset base permanently and to increase it through capital gains, donations or endowments. In this way, unlike in an association, more sustainable income can be generated, which in turn can be spent on the foundation's purposes. The foundation is subject to ongoing state supervision, which is why foundations enjoy a high level of trust in society.

Close integration of the University Association and the University Foundation

"The University Foundation is a future-proof instrument entirely in the spirit of the University Association," says Hohl. The link between the University Association and the University Foundation is to remain close. Among other things, the statutes stipulate that the chairman of the University Association is also the chairman of the Foundation. Overall, the statutes are closely interlinked. Both institutions are important: the University Association should continue to lobby for the university and promote civic engagement for the university. The Foundation, on the other hand, is responsible for larger financial grants. The steering of the University Foundation is the responsibility of the two bodies, the Foundation Board and the Foundation Council.

One million euros as basic assets

The new University Foundation will be endowed with basic assets of one million euros. Part of this money comes from inheritances, a considerable part also from the University Association. In future, the University Foundation also wants to encourage Bayreuth citizens, but also regional companies and graduates, to support the University of Bayreuth with tax-privileged donations and endowments.

"It is an enormous gain for the University that we now have a University Foundation," says Prof. Dr. Stefan Leible, President of the University of Bayreuth. "This gives the citizens of Bayreuth the opportunity to support their university and thus our region at the same time, even over generations."

The purpose of the foundation is to promote science and research, education and training. Concrete examples include scholarships for students as well as participation in the acquisition of items needed for research but not provided for in the university budget. In addition, temporary support is provided to academics who would not be able to continue their research in Bayreuth without support.

Currently, no applications can be made to the University Foundation, as the foundation's assets must first be invested before the grants can be paid from a return. Endowments and donations, on the other hand, are possible immediately.

Contact:

Dr. Michael Hohl
Tel. +49 171 3020201
E-Mail: post@michael-hohl.info