Foundation objectives
The site of the largest German Nazi concentration and extermination camp is a living witness to one of the greatest crimes in human history and is of fundamental importance for the entire European civilisation. Auschwitz-Birkenau confronts us with fundamental questions about humanity, society and the devastating consequences of antisemitism, racial hatred and discrimination. In 1947, the Polish state created the memorial on behalf of the survivors, so that future generations will also have the opportunity to see this place as authentically as possible.
The aim of the foundation, established in January 2009 by survivor Professor Władysław Bartoszewski, is to create a permanent endowment that will finance the preservation of the memorial and keep alive the memory of the victims and survivors.
The aim of the foundation, established in January 2009 by survivor Professor Władysław Bartoszewski, is to create a permanent endowment that will finance the preservation of the memorial and keep alive the memory of the victims and survivors.
The original target capital volume was €120 million, which, together with annual revenues of approximately €4–5 million, would enable the implementation of the Master Plan for Preservation: a long-term programme covering all professionally managed conservation work at the Auschwitz Memorial. Due to the economic situation and, in particular, the current yield on bonds, the capital was increased to €180 million. This will allow the planned returns to be achieved without increasing the investment risk.
The permanent capital is created mainly through the support of countries from all over the world, but also through the commitment of numerous companies and private individuals.
Another pillar of our foundation's work is education. We run various educational programmes to impart knowledge about the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Holocaust. Our educational initiatives, such as the "Auschwitz. In Front of your Eyes" programme, offer virtual tours of the memorial site and access to unique archive materials. This programme provides teachers worldwide with the tools and resources to integrate the history of Auschwitz into their lessons. It also promotes understanding and reflection on the tragedy of Auschwitz in a contemporary context.
The permanent capital is created mainly through the support of countries from all over the world, but also through the commitment of numerous companies and private individuals.
Another pillar of our foundation's work is education. We run various educational programmes to impart knowledge about the history of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Holocaust. Our educational initiatives, such as the "Auschwitz. In Front of your Eyes" programme, offer virtual tours of the memorial site and access to unique archive materials. This programme provides teachers worldwide with the tools and resources to integrate the history of Auschwitz into their lessons. It also promotes understanding and reflection on the tragedy of Auschwitz in a contemporary context.
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Foundation work
Preservation and conservation
By collecting and investing donations, the foundation finances the urgently needed preservation of the remains of the camp and the personal belongings of victims and survivors. In cooperation with governments, philanthropists and companies around the world, we ensure the long-term preservation of the authenticity of the site.
Education and research
We initiate and implement educational programmes and historical research projects that support the mission of the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. One example is the programme "Auschwitz. In Front of your Eyes", which offers virtual live tours and access to unique archive materials. This programme is aimed in particular at educators and helps them to integrate the history of Auschwitz into school curricula worldwide.
Contact
To learn more about our work and how you can support us, please write to us using our contact form. We will be happy to answer your questions and invite you to join us in our mission to preserve memory. Together, we can ensure that the tragedy and stories of heroism at Auschwitz are never forgotten.
Contact
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