University Foundation Bayreuth

In contrast to a non-profit association, which is characterized by the tax law requirement of the timely use of means and thus cannot build up assets, a foundation aims to maintain its asset base in the long term and to increase it through capital gains, donations or endowments. In contrast to a university association, this allows more sustainable income to be generated, which can then be spent on the foundation's purposes. The foundation is subject to ongoing state supervision, which is why foundations enjoy a high level of trust in society.

The link between the University Association and the University Foundation should remain close. Among other things, the statute stipulates that the Chairman of the University Association is also the Chairman of the Foundation. Overall, the statutes are closely interlinked. Both institutions are important: the University Association should continue to lobby on behalf of the university and promote civic engagement for the university. The Foundation, on the other hand, is responsible for major financial support. The University Foundation is managed by the two bodies, the Foundation Board and the Foundation Council.

The new university foundation will be endowed with a base asset of one million euros. Part of this money comes from legacies, and a considerable amount from the University Association. In the future, the University Foundation also wants to encourage the citizens of Bayreuth, as well as regional companies and graduates, to support the University of Bayreuth through endowments and tax-privileged donations.

The Foundation Board consists of the Chairman and the Treasurer of the University of Bayreuth Association and the President of the University of Bayreuth. A retiring member remains in office until the appointment of the next member - at the request of the Foundation Council.

The Foundation Council consists of five members, as follows:

• the Vice President of the University of Bayreuth responsible for teaching,
• the Chancellor of the University of Bayreuth,
• three members of the Executive Board of the Universitätsverein Bayreuth e. V., who are delegated to the Foundation Council by the Executive Board.

The foundation would like to award three prizes for special achievements in research for the first time in 2025. Each prize is endowed with prize money of €10,000. Details can be found on the website.