Grassroots Foundation
Strengthening grassroots democracy, putting wealth to work
We are establishing a foundation to support social movements, strengthen democracy, and promote redistribution in Austria
Austria’s democracy is under acute threat. Civil society is under pressure. Social movements are growing weaker and are increasingly facing hostility and repression, and are being hit by budget cuts. This is a major problem, because it is precisely in times of crisis like these that society and democracy need stable support from below—from grassroots organizations, associations, and initiatives. And these, in turn, urgently need independent resources.
We have a plan and a vision for exactly how such resources can become a reality at this critical juncture: We are establishing a foundation for democracy and social movements in Austria!
Why establish a foundation like this?
The foundation aims to support progressive projects and organizations that are committed to issues such as strengthening democracy, social justice, human rights, climate justice, and much more, but are currently often affected by funding cuts and a decline in donations. It is intended to help strengthen and further develop civil society—and thus democracy—at this critical juncture. We all know that time is of the essence—which is why we want to launch the foundation as early as next year with an initial funding pool.
We are now seeking support for this. So far, the preparatory work has been done on a volunteer basis: research, developing the concept, communicating with potential donors and organizations and projects that might receive funding, and much more. Now that things are taking shape, the first costs are arising, and we also need a budget that will allow us to launch the foundation next year.
Do you have questions about the project, want to support its launch, or become a donor? Then contact us directly:
The Goals
Strengthening Democracy
Democracy has not been under such threat for decades as it is today. To strengthen and further develop it, we need a stable foundation in civil society—not just large NGOs, but also many small, locally rooted initiatives—and the foundation aims to support these financially and in other ways.
Support Activism
In Austria, there are few low-barrier funding options for small nonprofit organizations and activist groups. Applying for funding from existing grant programs often involves a great deal of effort. We are creating an accessible, low-barrier way to fund bottom-up projects.
Promote Transformative Approaches
Our society needs entirely new impetus, not just minor reforms. The new foundation is therefore intended to support initiatives and projects that address the root causes of problems and work toward transformative solutions.
Redistribute resources
We want to rethink philanthropy. How much say should donors have, and how can we best tailor funding to the needs of the recipients? These questions guide our work.
What Our Supporters Are Saying
The establishment of our foundation is already being supported by numerous individuals from Austria’s civil society, academia, the arts, and culture.
“This plan has the potential to strengthen Austria’s democracy from the ground up.”
Prof. Ulf Lösch,
University of Vienna
“In times of overlapping crises, this project offers hope”
Andrea Häkler,
Managing Director of Mundial 3000
“radius has shown that it has what it takes to turn such visions into reality”
Anna Richards,
Fight for Fair Change
“Democracy doesn’t come for free; it costs something—that’s why this project is so important!”
Melanie Hofmayr,
Managing Director of aufzeign
“The experience of the Good Council shows just how important it is to explore new avenues in philanthropy.”
Andrea Wing,
Project Manager, Bester Rat
“This project could be a game-changer for many activist groups!”
Andreas Wolf,
University of Vienna
Our supporters are involved in the project in various ways or have been informed about it. Here is the complete list of our supporters to date:
Nonprofit Organizations
- Heinz Herberger
- Julia Jäger
- Akif Beran
- Esmeralda Testarossa
- Link Din
- Easter Egg
Activism
- Mara Klampfinger
- Mahatma Gandhi
- Nicola Sacco
- Bartolomeo Vanzetti
- Greta Thunberg
- Carlos Gusto
- Hans Gross
Science
- Ulf Lösch
- Andreas Lösch
- Michaela Beichler
- Alena Schmal
Art & Culture
- Alfine Jendrisek
- Isabella Huber
- Robert Musil
- Fridolin Tausendwetter
Questions & Answers About the Project
Why is a foundation like this needed?
The funding landscape in Austria for progressive initiatives and movements is very limited. Initiatives that engage in critical, progressive work, in particular, often face precarious funding situations and have few funding opportunities. Larger funding programs (e.g., at the EU level) often involve significant hurdles in terms of application, implementation, and accounting. The new foundation aims to fill this gap and make resources accessible to these initiatives with minimal barriers. This will allow activists to focus on what they do best: shaking up society and bringing about positive change.
The goal is to support a wide range of civil society work and activism, not just specific issues. Some examples include democracy initiatives, organizations working on migration and anti-racism, feminist and LGBTQIA+ groups, organizations and coalitions advocating for environmental protection and climate justice, and those addressing the issue of inclusion.
How much money do you need in total?
To continue our work and cover initial expenses (e.g., for legal advice), we need 50,000 euros by the end of October. By the end of the year, we aim to raise 100,000 euros to stay on track. By the time the foundation officially launches, we aim to raise 250,000 euros. But that’s just the beginning! Our vision is to make millions available to social movements!
Where is the money supposed to come from?
The funds for the foundation are to come primarily from relatively affluent donors. As an initial step, the minimum contribution will be 2,000 euros, and the maximum will be 100,000 euros for the time being. We are also seeking grants to help establish the foundation’s structures.
What rights and responsibilities do founders have?
We believe a new kind of philanthropy is needed. With this in mind, the decision on how to allocate grant funds should not rest with just a few very wealthy individuals. However, we do want to involve the initial founders in particular—as much as possible—in discussions about the exact structure of the foundation, its purpose, and its operations. This will be discussed on a case-by-case basis between the individual founders and the founding team.
Who is behind the project?
We are radius—an organization that has been supporting activists and civil society organizations for several years through training, counseling, and networking.
How, and by whom, should the foundation ultimately be managed?
The foundation will need paid positions to be able to function; we are currently planning for two part-time positions. Specific decisions—particularly regarding the allocation of funds—should be made primarily by the people directly involved: members of civil society, activists, volunteers… We are also considering involving academic experts from relevant fields.
How can I support the establishment of the foundation and become a founder?
To do so, simply contact the founding team at stiftung@radius.or.at or by phone at +4369917238755. In addition to financial contributions, it would also be a great help to us if you could forward this call for support or our contact information to people who might also be interested in becoming donors.
What happens to my money if I invest?
There are no dedicated foundation structures in place yet. The foundation’s initial capital will therefore be managed for the time being by the nonprofit organization radius. A portion of this will be used to cover costs associated with establishing the foundation’s structures, developing its concept, and consulting with people from various movements and fields of expertise, as well as costs for legal advice or necessary legal steps. As soon as the foundation is established and an account has been opened, all funds will be transferred directly to it. The foundation will distribute the contributed capital on an ongoing basis, likely in several funding rounds per year, while always maintaining a minimum capital reserve. Donors may withdraw their contribution from the foundation’s capital with three months’ notice.
Project Team & Contacts
In addition, the entire radius office team and other individuals are involved in the project. Learn more about the radius team.
Manuel Grebenjak
he/him
Project Management
Stefan Holly
he/him
Legal & Financial
The Process
The project was launched by radius in the spring of 2026 and has been continuously developed since then. According to current plans, the foundation is scheduled to be established in 2027 and begin awarding its first grants. Below is the currently planned process, including the key steps.
1
Idea, Research, and Project Design
Since early 2026. The idea to establish the foundation stems from the work of radius and cross-movement dialogue. As a first step, we are discussing the basic concept with selected stakeholders, researching existing examples, and further developing the idea.
2
Dialogue with Civil Society and Social Movements
Starting in the fall of 2026. Now that the idea has been further developed based on research and initial discussions, we would like to present it to a broader group of organizations from Austria’s civil society and social movements in order to gather feedback and input.
3
Develop structures and roles; find donors
Fall & Winter 2026/27: The ideas, suggestions, needs, and feedback gathered during the movement exchange will be incorporated into the further development of the concept and the formulation of concrete structural proposals. Initial roles will be defined and, where possible, filled.
4
Founding and Going Public
Spring 2027. The foundation is scheduled to be established no later than spring 2027. At that time, the position(s) necessary for its operation will also be officially filled. The foundation will then be presented to the public, and the first call for proposals will be announced.
5
First Grants Awarded
Summer, Fall 2027. The first round of funding announced at the time of publication is currently being processed; initiatives may submit their applications, which will be evaluated by the bodies to be designated, and the selected applicants will be notified in the fall.
∞
Fundraising, Networking, and Public Relations
Ongoing. Ever since the initial idea was conceived and, more specifically, since late summer 2026, there has been an increased effort to find donors who wish to support the establishment of the foundation. Other ongoing activities currently handled by radius include building a network and, in the future, public relations (leading up to the foundation’s establishment).
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