SozialstiftungNRW / Stiftung Wohlfahrtspflege NRW

The Sozialstiftung NRW (until 2024: Stiftung Wohlfahrtspflege NRW) is a public law foundation based in Düsseldorf. It was established on March 19, 1974, and is a parliamentary foundation of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, financed by the profits of the North Rhine-Westphalian casinos. The foundation supports projects by providers of independent welfare services aimed at improving the living conditions of people and covers the entire spectrum of social work. Over more than 50 years, nearly 8,700 initiatives have been supported with a total of almost one billion euros. Well-known programs include: model projects, investment funding, start-up financing, special program "Maintaining Access – Strengthening Digitalization," special program "We are STRONG!".

The Sozialstiftung NRW sees itself as a unique foundation for social innovation in Germany. It promotes innovation in the social sector by supporting pioneering model projects, thereby contributing to the testing and establishment of new approaches in social work – based on the principle of subsidiarity and in partnership dialogue with the associations of independent welfare organizations.

The funding programs are aimed at providers of independent welfare services in North Rhine-Westphalia, in particular member organizations of the umbrella associations AWO, DRK, Diakonie, Caritas, Paritätischer Wohlfahrtsverband, and the Jewish Community, as well as non-profit legal entities (registered associations, non-profit limited liability companies). Geographical focus: North Rhine-Westphalia. Basic requirements: non-profit status, project character, no start before approval, no regular funding possible.