Democracy enables participation and requires commitment. Our society and our economic system depend on as many people as possible contributing their skills, wishes and ideas. In times of growing anti-democratic movements, it is more important than ever to show your colours. The Savings Banks Finance Group is therefore committed in a variety of ways to initiatives that are dedicated to strengthening diversity and participation in society.
Last year, for example, Berliner Sparkasse provided EUR 100,000 for initiatives in favour of democracy, tolerance and against anti-Semitism. The Morus 14 association is one of the organisations receiving funding. The “Shalom Rollberg” project has been bringing together Jewish and Israeli volunteers and Muslim children and young people from the Rollberg district for ten years and forming long-term personal relationships. In this way, they create more tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the neighbourhood.
Sparkasse KölnBonn is also committed to promoting democracy and social cohesion. As part of its #hiermithaltung initiative, it provided a total of EUR 250,000 in 2024. The money went to projects that bring democracy as a whole or individual fundamental rights to life in Cologne and Bonn. The wide variety and diversity ranged from an educational project against hate on the internet to reading promotion for pre-school children with a migrant background and a project on diversity at a sports club. In addition, the Sparkasse KölnBonn development association launched a media education project together with the Bonner General-Anzeiger in autumn 2024. The aim is to strengthen young people’s media skills and provide them with sound knowledge on the critical use of modern media. On the occasion of the local elections in North Rhine-Westphalia in September 2025, Sparkasse KölnBonn and its sponsoring association are once again stepping up their activities to promote democracy. With a budget of one million euros, a wide range of measures are planned to strengthen confidence in democratic processes and counteract anti-democratic tendencies.