Marlene Engelhorn is the descendant of a BASF founder and heiress of millions. She wants to use her fortune to create a fairer world. A citizens’ council was therefore allowed to distribute 25 million euros – to organizations and clubs.
The legacy of social activist Marlene Engelhorn has been distributed: A citizens’ council in Austria has given the available 25 million euros to a total of around 80 organizations and associations. The main goal was to reduce inequality in society and give the disadvantaged more opportunities, said project manager Alexandra Wang.
The money will go to initiatives that deal with the issues of climate and environment, affordable housing, health and social issues, as well as integration and education. The decision not only distributed money, but also appreciation, respect and many future opportunities, said Angelika Taferner from the Citizens’ Council.
Discussions lasted for six weekends
For the “Good advice for redistribution” 50 citizens aged between 16 and 85 were selected as representatives of the Austrian population. They discussed over six weekends how the money could be used in the most meaningful way.
The Citizens’ Council also wanted to do something for climate protection. One of the beneficiaries is the Austrian Nature Conservation Association, which received the highest individual amount at 1.6 million euros. The grants are often not paid in one lump sum, but spread over several years to give the organizations planning security, it was said.
Growing movement of left-wing millionaires
The 31-year-old Engelhorn has distributed almost her entire fortune with this campaign. She is a descendant of Friedrich Engelhorn, founder of Badische Anilin- & Soda-Fabrik AG (BASF), one of the largest chemical companies in the world.
Engelhorn says she has kept a sum of money for herself to make her transition into working life easier. She is not worried. She is embedded in a wealthy family and has a very good network. “My privileges will also support me after the redistribution,” the 31-year-old said at the start of the Citizens’ Council.
Engelhorn takes the position that it is not democratic if wealthy people distribute inherited assets according to their personal preferences and interests.