Five Years of Social Commitment – Wirtgen Stiftungen Support 116 Projects with Over 4.3 Million Euros

Since their establishment in 2020, the Jürgen Wirtgen Stiftung and the Stefan Wirtgen Stiftung have made a meaningful contribution to social support in the northern Rhineland-Palatinate region. Over the past five years, 116 projects have been supported with a total of approximately 4.3 million euros – a strong sign of regional responsibility and solidarity.

“We have been very fortunate in our lives so far and want to give something back to the region and the people rooted in it by establishing our foundations,” explain the founders, Jürgen and Stefan Wirtgen.

Wide-ranging support – from education and youth services to assistance for people with disabilities

The Wirtgen Stiftungen are committed to a wide range of socially relevant causes, including education and youth services, sports development, support for people with disabilities, assistance for the homeless, and the promotion of volunteerism throughout the region.

A flagship initiative is the “Housing First” project, launched in collaboration with Caritas and the City of Neuwied, which has provided six apartments for formerly homeless individuals since 2021. Residents receive intensive support to help them transition to independent living. “It is truly a blessing that the Jürgen Wirtgen and the Stefan Wirtgen Stiftungen support us here in the region in this way and are thus a reliable partner for Caritas,” emphasizes Janine Timm, a street worker in Neuwied.

This commitment is being further expanded with the demolition and reconstruction of the “Schöppchen,” a day center for the homeless in city of Neuwied. The new building is scheduled for completion in early 2026.

“The collaboration with the City of Neuwied, Caritas, and all partners involved in the construction of the Schöppchen has been excellent and truly collaborative — everyone is working toward the same goal,” says Daniel Wichmann, Managing Director of the foundation, emphasizing the strong partnership behind the project.

Rapid Assistance When Every Minute Counts

In the rural municipality of the Asbach, the Wirtgen Stiftungen are supporting the establishment of a community first-responder system designed to bridge the critical minutes in emergency situations.

So far, 75 volunteers have been trained providing life-saving immediate assistance in 34 emergency deployments.

“I am truly impressed by the number of volunteers we have been able to recruit. Their motivation and commitment remain exceptionally high,” says Arno Schücke, project coordinator and head of the Asbach municipal fire department.

Education and Youth in Focus

Numerous educational initiatives have been launched — ranging from anti-bullying workshops at primary schools and support for highly gifted students through Kinder-College e.V., to the establishment of the volunteer initiative “Future Factory,” which helps young people with career orientation.

“It is always rewarding to support young people who are still uncertain about their career choices during this important phase of their lives,” says Stefan Thamm, mentor of the Future Factory.

Teachers at the Realschule Plus also received targeted support through the pilot project “Digi-Camp BG3000,” which focused on strengthening the use of digital media in the classroom.

Sports, Inclusion, and Disaster Relief

Through the “Coaches Training Coaches” program, local football clubs in the Asbach municipality received training and support from former professional football players and coaches — an initiative that ultimately led to the establishment of the Asbacher Land Youth Football Association (JSG).

People with disabilities also receive support through projects such as the expansion of the hospice in Niederbieber, funding for workshops for people with disabilities (WfbM), and assistance for the Dr. Ehmann Children’s Home in Siegburg.

In addition, the Wirtgen Stiftungen provided swift and unbureaucratic support following the devastating floods in the Ahr Valley and delivered emergency aid to Ukrainian refugees after the outbreak of the war.

A Strong Partner in the Region

In addition to social projects, the foundations also support clubs and village communities in their home region. Whether it’s new playground equipment, renovations, or sports equipment—projects are often brought to life through volunteer efforts and foundation support.

Thomas Junior, Mayor of the municipality of Neustadt/Wied: “We are fortunate to have the Wirtgen Stiftungen in our region. Through their commitment, they support local associations exactly where help is needed most.”

Commitment with a Vision for the Future

More than 100 projects — but above all, countless moments of joy, solidarity, and togetherness. The Wirtgen Stiftungen stand for far more than financial support alone. They represent lived responsibility, a genuine commitment to the region, and the firm belief that meaningful change begins wherever people come together.

To everyone dedicated to strengthening our society — to those who invest their time, energy, and passion with tireless commitment: your engagement is invaluable. We see you, we hear you, and we want to empower you. The Wirtgen Stiftungen see themselves as a partner, an enabler, and a bridge between ideas and reality.