Bringing Engagement to Life: The Krupp Foundation at the Federal President’s public festival in Bonn

On 5 September, the Krupp Foundation took part in the Federal President’s Citizens’ Festival, which this year was held at Villa Hammerschmidt in Bonn. The festival was dedicated by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to volunteering and civic engagement in Germany. In his opening speech, the President welcomed the many volunteers with the words: “Thank you for what you do for our society and for our country!” He further emphasized the importance of voluntary commitment: “Bringing people together and building connections with others is what all of you, dear guests, achieve through your voluntary engagement.”

During the Open House Day, the festival attracted numerous visitors with a diverse program presented on two stages. Guests also had the opportunity to visit the Federal President’s official residence in Bonn and explore the historic rooms of Villa Hammerschmidt.

At the Krupp Foundation’s stand, many visitors gained insights into the Foundation’s funding activities and a selection of its projects. Interactive features, including a digital quiz about the Foundation and hands-on experiences of supported projects through basketball shooting challenges and the opportunity to try out new sports using virtual reality headsets, encouraged visitors to get actively involved themselves. Participants could win high-quality prizes such as the Foundation’s own honey, pasta shaped like the three rings of the Foundation’s logo, and popcorn. Federal President Steinmeier also visited the stand and learned about the Foundation’s current projects.

The Krupp Foundation’s invitation to the Citizens’ Festival represented a special recognition of its decades-long commitment to supporting charitable causes. Since its establishment in 1968, the Foundation has provided more than €715 million in funding for non-profit projects in the fields of science, education, arts and culture, health, and sports.