The Freudenberg Stiftung

The Freudenberg Stiftung was founded in 1984 when members of the Freudenberg family transferred shares in the company valued at 5.2 million Euro to a non-profit foundation. According to the statutes of the foundation, the returns on its capital are used to promote science, the humanities and education as well as strengthening peaceful coexistence in the community. Each year, the foundation awards grants of some two million Euro to projects concerned with cultural minorities, youths who have finished school but not yet started work, and work for the mentally ill. In addition, the Freudenberg Stiftung plays a central role in the civis media awards.

The civis Media Award for German Radio and Television was initiated by the German Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration, together with the ARD public broadcasting network spearheaded by Westdeutscher Rundfunk, and the Freudenberg Stiftung. The Award honors radio and TV programs that speak up for cultural diversity and respect for others and denounce racism and cultural exclusion in Germany. The Award has now been extended to include the civis europe European Television Award and the civis Youth Video Award.