Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability

The Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability (German: Michael Otto Stiftung für Nachhaltigkeit) is a German philanthropic foundation established in late 2023. It is based in Hamburg and was founded by the entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael Otto. The foundation describes its purpose as making an effective contribution to the future of people and nature, working through partnerships and projects with innovative approaches. It operates both as a grant-making and an operational foundation, engaging with diverse stakeholders at local, national and international levels. The foundation's work is organised around four main fields of action: democracy, human rights, biodiversity, and education. In the area of democracy, it supports a free, open, diverse and democratic society as a foundation for positive change. Its human rights work focuses on justice and dignity for all people, recognising diversity as a source of innovation. The biodiversity field addresses the balance of ecosystems and seeks solutions that respect the needs of local communities. Through education, the foundation promotes innovative learning concepts that help people experience their own self-efficacy. The foundation is a young organisation, having been established at the end of 2023. It is not a listed company and operates as a private foundation. Its activities include funding partnerships and projects, such as the MOF4S Engagement Fund and collaboration with other foundations like the Bertelsmann Stiftung on the Forum gegen Fakes. The foundation's website is available in German and English, reflecting its international orientation. As a foundation, it does not sell products or services in the commercial sense; its 'offerings' are philanthropic programmes and grants. Its positioning is that of a sustainability-focused philanthropic actor in Germany and beyond, aiming to foster a society that lives and does business in harmony with nature.

The Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability was established at the end of 2023. It was founded by Michael Otto, a German entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his long-standing commitment to environmental and social causes. The foundation is based in Hamburg, Germany, and operates as a private philanthropic organisation. From its inception, the foundation has focused on four main fields of action: democracy, human rights, biodiversity, and education. It describes its goal as making an effective contribution to the future of people and nature, using partnerships and projects with innovative approaches. The foundation works both as a grant-making and operational foundation, engaging with diverse stakeholders at local, national and international levels. In its early years, the foundation has supported initiatives such as the MOF4S Engagement Fund and collaborated with other organisations, including the Bertelsmann Stiftung on the Forum gegen Fakes. The foundation's website is available in German and English, indicating an international orientation. As a young organisation, its history is still being written, but it builds on the philanthropic legacy of its founder.

• 2026

  MOF4S Engagement Fund announced.

• 2024

  Forum gegen Fakes launched with Bertelsmann Stiftung.

• 2023

  Foundation established at the end of 2023.

Philanthropic foundation promoting sustainability, democracy, human rights, biodiversity and education through partnerships and projects.

1. 1Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability - Homepagemichaelottofoundationforsustainability.org
2. 2Wikidata entry Q139659628wikidata.org