The work of the Academic Society is carried out using the earnings from its capital. Without the assets it holds, it would not be able to sustain its track record in research support as powerfully as it has in the past – and now finds even more important for the future. That is why donations and bequests are such a vital complement to the support of the society’s active members.
Making a lasting impact in a deeply personal way
Bequests from generous funders have contributed significantly to the successful work of the Academic Society. To foster the long-term future of research in Freiburg, this kind of sustained support will also be needed in the future. Giving to foundations is an especially personal form of helping others. Establishing a foundation or a fund enables funders to advance their values in ways that outlast their own lifespan. Investing in the success of the next generation of researchers in our region is an investment in our future.
Funder Portraits
Several private individuals have made generous bequests to the Academic Society in the course of its history. The funds established by these individuals and the society’s other assets are managed by the Board of Trustees.
Helmut Holzer Fund
The Academic Society received 0.5 million euros from the estate of Dr Erika Holzer and Professor Dr Helmut Holzer in 2007. The Helmut Holzer Fund is dedicated to fostering the careers of emerging scholars in the area of medicine.
Adolf and Margot Krebs Foundation
In 1998, banker Adolf Krebs and his wife Margot bequeathed assets of 2.15 million Deutschmarks to a foundation under civil law for the promotion of the sciences. The Academic Society receives at least half the annual revenue of this foundation (Adolf-und-Margot-Krebs-Stiftung zur Förderung der Wissenschaft).
Beringer Fund
The coffers of the Academic Society were swelled by a bequest of 0.7 million Deutschmarks by Professor Dr Kurt Beringer and Dr Cornelia Beringer in 1975. The revenue generated by the Beringer Fund may only be used to support young medical researchers.
Gerda Henkel Fund
In May 1968, Professor Dr med. Sigurd Janssen, the former chairperson of the Academic Society, bequeathed around 1.6 million Deutschmarks to the society. This fund (Frau-Gerda-Henkel-Stiftung) is named for his sister Gerda Henkel.