Social responsibility
We take our responsibilities seriously
- Cynthia, aged 10
Social responsibility
As part of society and in the tradition of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, we feel a particular obligation with regard to social responsibility. Social responsibility is firmly enshrined in the corporate culture of DekaBank and is based on a strategic decision that is welcomed and supported by the Board of Management and employees alike.
DekaBank’s social responsibility is founded on two pillars: first, the commitment to provide support on the part of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe in Germany and secondly, the partnerships in DekaBank’s own area of activity. Here, we provide support for contemporary art and architecture, social projects and academic institutions.
Joint activities with the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe
With substantial backing from DekaBank, the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe has been a partner of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund/DOSB) since 2008 and supports the German Olympic team as a national sponsor. Through this partnership, the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe is supplementing its support for popular sports with support for elite athletes as well.
The Museum für Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt celebrates its anniversary in 2011 and is showcasing its extensive collection for the first time in its history in an exhibition entitled “MMK 1991-2011. 20 Years of the Contemporary. The Collection”. The Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe is a major sponsor of the anniversary exhibition.
Together with four other institutions in the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe, DekaBank has been the main sponsor of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden museum since 2006. The sponsorship agreement was extended until 2013.
Architecture
The International Highrise Award (IHA) has been presented every two years by the City of Frankfurt since 2004. The award is initiated, curated and organised by the Deutsches Architekturmuseum in partnership with DekaBank, which finances the IHA. The award recognises buildings that are distinguished by exceptional aesthetics, forward-looking design and integration in the urban landscape, as well as innovative technology, efficiency and sustainability.
Contemporary art
As a partner of the Museum für Moderne Kunst in Frankfurt, DekaBank has been supporting the further development of its collection since 2002. In addition, together with Helaba and the German Savings Banks and Giro Association (DSGV), the Bank is also the major sponsor of the museum’s anniversary exhibition in 2011.
DekaBank has been building up its own 21st century art collection since 2003, which now encompasses over 870 pieces including paintings, photos, sculptures and installation art. The international collection reflects a special interest in avant-garde trends and is an important part of our corporate culture. Forming a backdrop to day-to-day operations for our employees, business partners and customers, the works are displayed in the foyers and hallways, arranged according to conceptual aspects.
Social commitment
At the start of 2010, the eighth centre for disadvantaged children from socially deprived areas was opened in the Berthold-Otto primary school in Frankfurt-Griesheim by the charitable Christian organisation Kinder- und Jugendhilfswerks Arche e.V. with the support of DekaBank. The second Arche facility in Frankfurt was opened in the “Kleines Zentrum Nordweststadt” in 2011.
DekaBank has also been supporting the Don Bosco Mission in its international work with children and young people for many years as well as the German Golf Charity Cup to benefit the Deutsche Krebshilfe e.V. ("German Cancer Aid") organisation.
Since 2007, we have been fostering the social commitment of our employees through “DekaBank – Engagiert vor Ort!” (DekaBank – Making a local commitment). Under this initiative, twenty five €1,000 donations are made to non-profit organisations in the social, sports or cultural field.
Academic institutions
To further expand the knowledge transfer between theory and practice, DekaBank has been supporting the Goethe University Frankfurt for many years, especially the Centre for Financial Studies at the House of Finance.
From 2006 to 2011, DekaBank also endowed a chair at the business faculties of both Bamberg (Financial Controlling) and Passau (Business Administration).
Click here to learn more about our interesting and exciting activities related to social responsibility.