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Burgenland Foundation Honors 13 Changemakers in 2024 Awards

From Caritas to a visionary hotelier, this year’s laureates prove courage still shapes Burgenland’s future. But how does the foundation pick its winners?

It is a photo frame of three women their background is blue color and around the photo frame there...
It is a photo frame of three women their background is blue color and around the photo frame there are names of different sponsors and a company name.

Burgenland Foundation Honors 13 Changemakers in 2024 Awards

The Burgenland Foundation, established in 1976 to honour Theodor Kery's decade in office, recently presented 13 awards. This year's recipients included Caritas, Peter Resetarits, and hotelier Josef Puchas. Despite initial suspicions from the ÖVP, the foundation continues to remain nonpartisan, supporting innovative ideas and individuals dedicated to advancing Burgenland.

The foundation, named after former SPÖ politician Theodor Kery, has awarded around 3 million euros to over 800 laureates since its inception. Its mission continues to be unchanged, backing courageous and creative initiatives that benefit the region. Kery stepped down in 1987 after losing his absolute majority, leaving a legacy that continues to support Burgenland's progress.

Initially, the ÖVP feared the foundation could be used for 'socialist party propaganda'. However, the foundation's nonpartisan stance has been clear since its establishment. It supports ideas based on merit, not political affiliation. If the foundation were to dissolve, its funds would be directed towards 'social causes'.

The Burgenland Foundation, with an endowment of around €840,000, funds its annual prizes primarily from the returns of its conservatively invested capital. It continues to foster innovation and commitment in Burgenland, honouring those who make a difference, regardless of political affiliation.

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