startsocial e.V.

Startsocial e.V. is a non-profit organization that has been promoting voluntary social engagement in Germany since 2001. The main mission of the association is to support social initiatives, organizations, and projects through knowledge transfer between the economy and civil society. Startsocial is under the patronage of Chancellor Olaf Scholz and was awarded as a selected place of the initiative "Germany - Land of Ideas" in 2009.

• Annual Competition: Startsocial organizes the nationwide startsocial competition every year, where 100 social initiatives receive four-month consulting scholarships. These scholarships include individual consulting by experienced coaches from the business and non-profit sectors, who support in areas such as marketing, organizational development, accounting, and fundraising[1][2][4].
• Network and Training: In addition to consulting, Startsocial provides the supported initiatives access to networking events, training sessions, and free consulting offers, even beyond the four-month consulting phase. Startsocial's alumni network enables long-term contacts and further support[1][2][3].
• Feedback and Quality Seal: Each applying initiative receives constructive feedback from independent jurors, regardless of the nomination for a scholarship. Participation in the competition is considered a quality seal in the social sector and can promote fundraising for the initiatives[1][2][4].

• Sustainable Solutions: Startsocial promotes initiatives that work on sustainable solutions to social problems and place people at the center. The initiatives must primarily be supported by volunteers and be primarily managed from Germany[2][4].
• Cross-Sector Support: The support includes initiatives in various phases, from the idea phase to already ongoing projects. This allows for comprehensive support and further development of social engagements[2][4].
• Voluntary Engagement: Around 500 professionals and executives engage annually as volunteer coaches and jurors to contribute their experience and expertise. This makes a significant contribution to social engagement in Germany[1][2].