Work principles

Frau malt auf Glasscheibe

As employees of a non-profit foundation, we work for the benefit of society and the common good. We seek an open dialog with people within the science system as well as the public at large. And we make similar demands on ourselves as on those who apply for funding: in particular a willingness to take risks and the courage to experiment.

Not afraid to take risks, we launch new ideas in the fields of research, teaching and knowledge transfer – in close collaboration with the scientific community and with partners around the world.

Our vision

Mission Statement  

In the "Mission Statement" (in German) we describe the mission of the Foundation, our self-image as employees and how we work as a team to realize the Foundation’s goals. 

Mission Statement

Governance

As a non-profit funding organization, we base our actions on national and international standards of good foundation practice. In addition, we build trust and credibility through a policy of fully transparency. 

Governance

Impact monitoring and evaluation

The Foundation is regularly subjected to critical appraisal by independent experts. The goal is to constantly optimize and develop our procedures and processes as a "learning organization".

Impact monitoring and evaluation

Careers

The Volkswagen Foundation is an attractive employer. In addition to knowing they are involved in a meaningful task and working for the common good, employees benefit from flexible working hours, opportunities for remote working, excellent training opportunities and much more.

Careers

Sustainability

Sustainable action is particularly important to us, and we have intensified our efforts in this regard in recent years. Find out here where we stand and what goals we have in mind.
 

Working towards sustainability

More about us