The Ernst Freiberger Foundation –
showing responsibility towards society

In 1994, Ernst Freiberger created the foundation named after him. Based on the conviction that commitment to overcoming social, cultural and wider issues in society is a matter of ethical principle. All citizens of a democratically elected state are expected to take on responsibility for the well-being of the community, each according to his or her ability. This applies in particular to entrepreneurs, since they bear responsibility for a large number of people and their families.

The foundation finances its projects through funds of the Freiberger Holding. It is dedicated to three causes: Promoting the culture of remembrance, integrating the older generation into social and cultural life and conducting scientific research into investigating problems that are relevant to the future of mankind.

Memorials

By erecting monuments and memorials to prominent German figures, the Ernst Freiberger Foundation promotes remembrance of those who have achieved greatness in the realms of science, culture and politics and distinguished themselves through their courageous commitment to human dignity. The persons to have been honored so far are Georg Elser, Albrecht Haushofer, Thomas Mann, Walter Rathenau, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Konrad Zuse.
As "heroes without a sword" they stand for the positive forces that emanated from the ‘other’ Germany in the first half of the 20th century and for resistance to Nazi tyranny. Their portrait-busts along the banks of the River Spree in Berlin-Moabit form the “Straße der Erinnerung” (“Avenue of Remembrance”). Each of the commemorated persons has a special monograph dedicated to him.
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Meeting place for senior citizens

“Enjoy life as you get older” is the motto of the venue “Treffpunkt Sonnenblume” (“Get-Together Sunflower”) in Berliner Spree-Bogen. The Ernst Freiberger Foundation has created a meeting place for senior citizens - somewhere they can get to know others and take part in creative leisure activities such as learning how to use the internet.
The aim of the meeting place is to encourage the elderly, even into well advanced age, to remain active and lead an independent and fulfilled life for as long as possible. The series of events organized by the “Moabiter Brücke” (“Moabit Bridge”) extends the scope of the program by inviting well-known figures from the world of politics, science, culture and sport to give their views on topics of current interest. There is also the opportunity to engage in the “dialogue of generations” through discussions with pupils, students and other representatives of the younger generation.

Scientific research
The aim of the Ernst Freiberger Foundation is to form a link between science and society. It promotes research into social issues in order to raise public awareness of the challenges facing society and to propose solutions to them.
In the first forum of the "Ameranger Disput" participants discussed the study commissioned by the Foundation and conducted by Professor Meinhard Miegel on the issue of unemployment in Germany. The subject of the second forum of the "Ameranger Disput" in 2006 was "Religion ­ a blessing or curse of mankind?". Patron of the forum is the former Federal German President, Prof. Dr. Roman Herzog, while research is headed by Prof. Michael von Bruck. The third "Ameranger Disput" explored the issue of "Family and Love" under the direction of Prof. Hans Bertram. The fourth "Ameranger Disput" was concerned with the question of how the increasing material prosperty is linked to the individual satisfaction.