The Wilo-Foundation was established by the Opländer founding family in 2011. Social engagement has been an integral part of the family foundation’s work and vision right from the start. The primary goal of our engagement is to empower people, unlock potential and enable sustainable impact where support can foster social development in the long term.
The Wilo-Foundation works in the fields of science, education & social affairs, culture and sport, with its funding strategy focusing on three impact areas: Creating, Caring and Connecting. These tie in with the Wilo Group’s strategy and translate that strategy into concrete goals of our funding activities: shaping the future, securing livelihoods, and promoting connection, exchange and innovative ideas.
Nowadays, digital transformation and AI are shaping social development in virtually all areas of life. That is why we see digital transformation and AI as key issues of the future and crucial drivers of sustainable development, across all three impact areas.
Caring
Securing livelihoods
We support projects that promote the responsible use of water as a fundamental natural resource, improve food security and strengthen livelihoods in the long term. We incorporate digital solutions and artificial intelligence where they can support people and communities in a sustainable way.
Connecting
Building bridges
We connect people, ideas and institutions, creating spaces for encounters, cultural exchange and creative inspiration. By doing so, we also encourage a meaningful dialogue on artificial intelligence, new technologies and other important issues that will shape the societies of tomorrow.
Focus topics
In our funding activities, we focus on issues that will be of key importance for the societies of tomorrow, including the responsible use of water as a fundamental resource, sustainable cities and regions, climate action, food security, future skills and (social) entrepreneurship. Since Wilo has a long tradition in engineering, technological issues, digitalisation and artificial intelligence play a central role in our work. We support projects that provide guidance, improve people’s skills and pave the way for harnessing innovation responsibly.
Acting locally and globally
We support projects worldwide, primarily in locations where the Wilo Group operates, whilst also assuming responsibility in our home region of Dortmund and in the Ruhr area. It is particularly important to us that our social engagement has a tangible and visible impact on the ground.
Sustainable Development Goals
The 2030 Agenda of the United Nations with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals provides the international framework that guides our funding activities.
