Entrepreneurs in Darmstadt support projects for education, participation and inclusion
Learning to swim, having special experiences during the holidays, or receiving support when starting a career: The "Entrepreneurs for Darmstadt" association has now raised around €80,000 for three projects benefiting children and young people. At the summer festival on Friday, August 14, 2026, in Darmstadt's "Glasschrank" (glass cabinet), another €20,000 in donations was collected.
The association had already raised approximately €60,000 for the projects. The focus is on programs in Eberstadt-Süd, a student scholarship for pupils at the Bernhard-Adelung-School, and swimming lessons for children whose families cannot easily afford the costs.
“We want to help where support can make a real difference in someone’s life,” explains Dr. Tobias Moog, Chairman of Entrepreneurs for Darmstadt. The members volunteer their time, and the association is financed by donations. This allows the funds to be used directly for social projects.
Moog believes that the fact that around 20,000 euros were raised at the summer festival in a single evening demonstrates the great willingness of entrepreneurs to take responsibility for their city.
Holiday activities and excursions for children from Eberstadt-Süd
One of the three projects is aimed at children and families in Eberstadt-Süd. Together with Caritas, Unternehmer für Darmstadt supports activities there including holiday programs and a group trip to Taunus Wunderland.
At the summer festival, Heiko Depner and Patrick Braun presented their commitment together with Katrin Jäger, Jana Freund and Bastian Laucks from Caritas.
“Not every child goes on holiday in the summer. But every child should be able to tell a nice story after the holidays,” says Heiko Depner, Managing Director of La Mina GmbH in Darmstadt. The aim is to teach children from an early age that they belong and that special experiences don't depend solely on their family's financial means.
Six young people receive student scholarships
A second focus is the student scholarship program for entrepreneurs in Darmstadt. This year, six young people from the graduating class of the Bernhard-Adelung-School were selected.
The scholarship is intended to provide individual support to help students manage the next step after school. The project was presented by Rolf Neubauer and Konstantin Kolb at the summer festival.
The selection process is explicitly not based solely on school grades. "We are interested in the young person behind the qualification – their development, their commitment, and the responsibility they may have already taken on at a young age," explains Neubauer.
The support should therefore be tailored to the individual needs of the young people. "Sometimes, exactly the right support at the right time can decisively change a life's path," said Neubauer.
Learning to swim regardless of parents' income
The third funded project focuses on swimming. Together with SwimmSharks, an entrepreneur from Darmstadt is offering swimming lessons for children whose families cannot easily afford to participate. Inclusion also plays a key role in this program.
Nick Moog and SwimmSharks founder Deniz Rabia Üzer presented the project at the summer festival.
“Knowing how to swim means safety, self-confidence, and freedom,” emphasizes Üzer. No child should have to miss out on this because their family can't afford swimming lessons. The skill learned also has a lasting impact far beyond the actual duration of the course.
Approximately 80,000 euros raised for three projects
With the additional donations from the summer festival, the total amount that entrepreneurs in Darmstadt have mobilized for the three projects rises to around 80,000 euros, according to the association.
Chairman Tobias Moog believes that the commitment also reflects the participating companies' connection to Darmstadt and the region: "This city gives us a lot. For us, it is a matter of course to give something back."
The three funded projects
Eberstadt-Süd: Support for holiday activities and a joint excursion for children and families to Taunus Wunderland in cooperation with Caritas.
Student scholarship: Individual support for six young people from the graduating class of the Bernhard-Adelung-School for the next step after school.
Swimming lessons: In cooperation with SwimmSharks, swimming lessons are made available for children whose families cannot easily afford them. Inclusion is another key focus.
(RED/PM)
