The GESTE Foundation stands for collective action and the sustainable support of cooperative development cooperation projects. The Foundation's purpose is achieved, in particular, through the funding of suitable projects implemented by the DGRV (German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation) in more than 30 countries across the Global South.
With the newly established Friends Association of the GESTE Foundation, we aim to provide more individuals and companies who share these cooperative values with the opportunity to get involved and, together, make projects possible that help shape a better future.
The Friends Association of the GESTE Foundation is an independent, non-profit association founded on July 23, 2025, to financially, ideally, and communicatively support development cooperation with cooperatives worldwide – as implemented by the GESTE Foundation.
The General Meeting of Members is the Association's highest governing body. Among other responsibilities, it decides on the election and discharge of the Executive Board, amendments to the Articles of Association, the Association's strategic direction, membership fees, and funding guidelines. The General Meeting is usually held once a year as the Annual General Meeting.
The Executive Board manages the Association and represents it both internally and externally. It is responsible for admitting new members, managing the Association's funds, cooperating with the GESTE Foundation, preparing the General Meeting, and implementing the Association's objectives.
For companies in the cooperative financial group and other companies from the cooperative sector:
- Visibility and networking in the cooperative community
- Opportunity to help shape your own initiatives within the framework of partnership projects
- Increase employer attractiveness through the opportunity for employees to participate in job shadowing in GESTE's international projects
- Invitations to events and workshops
For individual members:
- Part of a vibrant community
- Insight into funded projects
- Invitations to events and workshops
Types of Membership
Membership is open to any individual who wishes to support the Friends Association, whether through personal commitment or financial contributions.
All companies (e.g., companies of the cooperative financial group), institutions (e.g., cooperative associations, foundations), and of course all cooperatives can become members.
Here's How It Works
Choose your membership type
→ Individual, company, or institutionFill out the membership declaration (only in german)
(Online or as PDF download)Receive confirmation & become part of the network
Board of the Support Association:
• Souâd Benkredda, DZ BANK, 1st Chairwoman
• Michael Schneider, Ihre Volksbank, 2nd Chairman
• Steffen Müller, DGRV
• Sebastian Gomolka, BWGV, Treasurer
• Jürgen Rehm, Gewinnsparverein
Funded Projects
The Friends Association is currently still in its start-up phase, so no GESTE Foundation projects have yet been financially supported. You can view the numerous projects of our GESTE Foundation via the following link:
