The BMW Foundation Herbert Quandt is an independent corporate foundation established in 1970, headquartered in Munich and Berlin. The organization is rooted in the legacy of Herbert Quandt, whose intervention in 1959 was instrumental in keeping BMW independent and eventually steering it to global success. The foundation was created to mark Herbert Quandt's 60th birthday and has developed a mandate centered on promoting a free, democratic, and just society.
Distinct from the BMW Group's direct business activities, the foundation focuses on fostering "responsible leadership" across borders and sectors. It brings together experts and leaders through its global Responsible Leaders Network to address complex social, political, and environmental challenges. These activities are meant to reflect both the foundation’s connection to BMW’s history and a commitment to societal contribution beyond economic outcomes.
The foundation drives a variety of initiatives, notably the RESPOND accelerator, which since 2020 has supported 50 early-stage companies in green technology fields, spanning sectors like energy, agriculture, and manufacturing. Portfolio startups backed by RESPOND have collectively created around 1,500 jobs worldwide and have the potential to reduce 596 million tons of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2030. The foundation also actively engages in coalitions and events, such as the Energy Security Hub at the Munich Security Conference, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to discuss energy innovation and security.
Committed to its complex heritage, the organization is both reflective of historical responsibility and forward-looking in its push for sustainable development and social cohesion.