University of Mannheim Foundation

The University of Mannheim is one of the most prestigious universities in Germany and it is no coincidence that it occupies top positions in German and international rankings. However, academic excellence must be proven every day. Thus, a lot of freedom, including financial freedom, is required to make the most of the potential of research and teaching and make a lasting contribution to society. What is needed exceeds the available means of the Land of Baden-Württemberg, particularly regarding internationality, digitalization of teaching and future challenges. In order to remain at the forefront nationally and internationally as “your” university, it is essential to have greater financial freedom. Therefore, the University of Mannheim Foundation (Stiftung Universität Mannheim) was established. It was founded in 2005 as a result of the commitment of the Freunde Universität Mannheim e. V. and the alumni association ABSOLVENTUM MANNHEIM. Get to know us better on this page and learn more about our bodies and principles.

Feel free to get in touch with us.

Credit: Alex Münch

We thank you for celebrating our anniversary with us!

For 20 years, the University of Mannheim Foundation has been supporting promising projects in research and teaching at the University of Mannheim. The anniversary event took place on Tuesday, September 30, in the Knights' Hall and Garden Hall of Mannheim Palace.

“For 20 years, we have been able to rely on sponsors, companies, and private individuals who continuously support the University of Mannheim Foundation. This is not something that can be taken for granted, especially in economically difficult times. Many projects—research projects or the Germany Scholarship—would not be possible in this form without donations, endowments, and testamentary agreements,” says Rector Prof. Dr. Thomas Fetzer.

Ein Student trägt auf seinem Laptop Termine in den Kalender ein.

Credit: Anna Logue

Projects

The foundation is committed to the University of Mannheim in a variety of ways. We fund professorships, support students in financing their studies and contribute to the maintenance of the historic palace buildings – for a strong university in a unique environment.

Events

The foundation regularly invites its supporters to exclusive lectures, guided tours and events – sometimes in small groups, sometimes on a large scale. This is our way of saying thank you, providing insights into our work and promoting exchange between committed people.

Händeschütteln am Handgelenk IloveMannheim Freundschaftsband

Credit: Anna Logue

Supporting

A foundation is there to do something good in the long term. Whether through donations, endowments or personal commitment – there are many ways to get involved. Every contribution counts and helps to promote talent, initiate new ideas and secure knowledge for future generations. Engage to make a difference!

Scholarships for the Future – A Festive Evening at the University of Mannheim

157 students at the University of Mannheim will receive financial support in the form of scholarships in the 2025/2026 academic year.

Gruppe von Stipendiaten bei der Stipendienfeier in der Aula.

At the scholarship ceremony on Thursday, November 6, 2025, the scholarship recipients met their sponsors in a festive setting. Prof. Dr. Cornelia Ruhe, Vice President for Academic Affairs, invited them to engage in personal exchanges. In her welcoming speech, she emphasized the importance of scholarships for students—on the one hand, to reward existing commitment, and on the other, to give students the freedom to study and engage in other activities.

Sabrina Scherbarth, honorary managing director of the University of Mannheim Foundation, made the official speech.

The scholarship providers presented the certificates in person after the ceremony in the university's catacombs. This gave the students the opportunity to talk to their sponsors at an informal get-together and make important contacts.

Deutschlandstipendium

The Deutschland Scholarship is intended to support excellent students and aims to give them the opportunity for social commitment and personal development alongside their studies. Scholarship holders receive EUR 300 per month – one half from the federal government and the other half from private sponsors and funding organizations.
➡️ Deutschlandstipendium – Information in english

Credit: uc graphic/Katrin Glückler

Support talents – provide opportunities

Support excellent students at the University of Mannheim with the “Deutschlandstipendium” and prevent the lack of qualified staff. Your investment in education is the key to promoting talent and potential future employees.

Last academic year, the University of Mannheim was able to award 148 German-scholarships “Deutschlandstipendium” with the help of many private donors, the University of Mannheim Foundation, the Friends of the University of Mannheim and ABSOLVENTUM. We thank you for making this possible!

Principles

Our charitable activities are based on clear and transparent principles. We build our commitment on these criteria.

Organization

The bodies of the University of Mannheim Foundation are the board of directors, the board of trustees and the investment advisory board. Get to know the bodies and the team of the foundation.

Contact

Feel free to contact us. We are happy to answer your questions on funding, donations and the foundation.

Bylaws

The bylaws set the ground rules for the foundation. You can find the current version here (only in German).

Annual Report

Find out more about our assets and use of funds in 2024 here (only in German).

FAQ

Here you can find the most frequently asked questions and answers on the topic of foundations. You are also welcome to contact us.

Help us!
Anyone can get involved. Help us with your time, your contacts, small or large contributions so that the University of Mannheim is well positioned to meet the challenges of our time. We look forward to talking to you and will be happy to advise you!

Please feel free to contact us personally.

Newsletter of the foundation
In cooperation with the Freunde der Universität Mannheim e. V., the University of Mannheim Foundation publishes a newsletter every two months to inform about activities, events and news.