Marlene Engelhorn’s Initiative: Distributing a 25 Million Euro Inheritance for a Fairer Society
Last year, heiress Marlene Engelhorn posed a thought-provoking question to her Austrian colleagues: “How should I spend my inheritance of 25 million euros?” Engelhorn, who hails from a notable European business dynasty, decided to take an unconventional approach by involving the public in deciding how to allocate her substantial inheritance. Now, the spending plan crafted by a diverse group of 50 individuals has been released, revealing a thoughtful distribution aimed at fostering a fairer society.
Background of the Initiative
Marlene Engelhorn’s decision to distribute her 25 million euro inheritance in an inclusive and democratic manner stands out against the backdrop of Austria’s lack of property and inheritance taxes. Engelhorn sought to address this gap by inviting everyday Austrians to help determine the most impactful ways to use her fortune. Her initiative aligns with her broader vision of wealth redistribution and social responsibility.
Selection Process for the Council
Engelhorn started by sending invitations to 10,000 randomly selected Austrians, asking them to participate in a survey about wealth distribution. From the respondents, she narrowed down the participants to 50 council members, ensuring the group was diverse in terms of age, income, education levels, and perspectives on wealth. This council, aptly named the “Gutter Rat” or Good Council, was tasked with the responsibility of deciding how to distribute the 25 million euros.
The council members met over six weekends, guided by a team of eight moderators and advised by various academics and experts. This structured and inclusive approach ensured that the council’s decisions were well-informed and reflective of a broad spectrum of societal needs.
The Council’s Decisions
After thorough deliberations, the Good Council decided to allocate the inheritance to 77 different initiatives. These initiatives span various sectors, including poverty alleviation, women’s protection, housing, integration, and education. Some of the notable recipients of the funds include the Tax Justice Network, Attac Austria, the Momentum Institute, and the World Inequality Lab.
A significant portion of the funds was designated to combat poverty-related diseases and protect women from violence. “Poor makes you sick and sick makes you poor,” said council member Dietmar Feurstein, encapsulating the council’s understanding of the vicious cycle of poverty and health issues. Consequently, donations were made to women’s shelters, deaf associations, and inclusive football clubs.
Housing, integration, and education were also key areas of focus. The council chose to support organizations that provide affordable housing and advocate for better living conditions for those in need. Migrants and refugees were another priority, with funds directed towards language courses, educational programs, and organizations working to improve access to healthcare and job opportunities.
Impact of These Decisions
The diverse and inclusive nature of the council’s decisions reflects their collective goal of creating a fairer society. “The result is as diverse as the council itself,” said project manager Alexandra Wang. The initiatives supported range from direct aid to those in need to addressing the root causes of social issues. Both small, emerging initiatives and well-established organizations were considered, ensuring a wide-reaching impact.
All the decisions shared common themes: striving for fairness, promoting social cohesion, and supporting marginalized groups. By channeling funds to these targeted areas, the council hopes to foster a more equitable society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Conclusion
Marlene Engelhorn’s initiative to distribute her 25 million euro inheritance through a democratic and inclusive process stands as a remarkable example of social responsibility and wealth redistribution. The council’s thoughtful allocation of the funds to various impactful initiatives underscores the potential for collective decision-making to drive meaningful change. Through this initiative, Engelhorn and the Good Council have set a precedent for how wealth can be used to create a fairer society for all.
Engelhorn’s innovative approach to philanthropy not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term social equity, demonstrating that collective efforts can indeed make a significant difference.