Last year, the Ruhr-based charitable organisation supported a further 80 projects with funding totalling approximately €61.3 million. At the same time, it further developed the strategies of its four centres: Digital Society, Europe in the World, Climate-Resilient Society, and Participation and Cohesion. These developments are outlined in the 2025 Annual Report, published today.
At a time of growing social polarisation and political upheaval, civil society organisations engaged in public and political life are facing increasing pressure. “This challenges us to learn even more consistently across programme areas and to continuously adapt our approaches,” said Dr Lars Grotewold, who assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at the beginning of the year. “With this in mind, we have refined our strategy for the next five years, guided by the ambition expressed in our motto: #StandingUpForDemocracy
The organisation’s former Centre for Climate Action has evolved its strategic approach to combine socially balanced climate policy and emissions reduction with adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
The Centre for Digital Society promotes the responsible use of digital technologies in line with democratic values – and, for example, is striving to limit the market power of a small number of large corporations through competition policy.
As international cooperation faces mounting geopolitical challenges, the Centre for Europe in the World has intensified systematic cross-border exchange with partners across Africa, Asia and Latin America and established platforms for protected dialogue. Meanwhile, the Centre for Participation and Cohesion is placing an even stronger emphasis on improving participation for socio-economically disadvantaged communities and strengthening democratic institutions, particularly at the local level. At the same time, the organisation continued to expand its community-building activities as a strategic priority.
Since its establishment in 1996, the organisation has supported 2,240 projects with total funding of approximately €1.08 billion (as of the end of 2025). The funding is available to universities and research institutions, civil society organisations and think tanks, with most grants awarded over several years.
PRESS CONTACT
Lothar Kuhn | Director Communications
T +49 201 2452236 | lothar.kuhn@stiftung-mercator.de
ABOUT STIFTUNG MERCATOR
Stiftung Mercator is a private, independent and charitable organisation that bases its work on scientific expertise and practical project experience. Since 1996, it has been committed to fostering a more inclusive, participatory and cohesive society. To achieve this, it develops and supports projects that improve opportunities for participation and strengthen social cohesion.
The organisation is committed to a democratic and effective Europe, a digital transformation of the state and society rooted in fundamental rights, and a resilient, socially balanced climate policy. These goals can only be realised within a liberal democracy, which Stiftung Mercator is committed to protecting and strengthening – as reflected in its motto: #StandingupforDemocracy.
Stiftung Mercator works in Germany, across Europe and internationally. It also maintains a special commitment to the Ruhr region, the home of the founding family and the organisation’s headquarters.
www.stiftung-mercator.de
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