Social Commitment

Only those who have empathy can support and understand others

The Zweite Sparkasse (Second Sparkasse)

The Zweite Sparkasse helps people who, due to difficult economic situations, have no access to a bank account, find a way to stabilize their living situation. The account is only offered in close cooperation with welfare and advisory organisations such as Caritas or the Schuldnerberatung (debt counselling service). Thanks to this holistic support, those affected have a realistic chance of solving their financial problems. The Zweite Sparkasse has no profit targets. Its business purpose is to support people who need additional help by providing a service which they will not receive anywhere else.

It is only possible to become a client of this branch by

  • Receiving a recommendation from a partner organisation (NGOs) such as Schuldnerberatung Steiermark (the Styrian debt counselling service), Sozialzentrum der Caritas der Diözese Graz-Seckau (Caritas Social Centre of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau), Sozialamt-Stadt Graz (social welfare office of the City of Graz) or the Neustart Association
  • The prerequisite for the recommendation is long-term support from these NGOs and the implicit will to deal with your own debt problems

Jutta Hofstätter - Manager
The Zweite Sparkasse
Annenstraße 40, 8020 Graz
Tel.: +43 50 100 - 23051 or 23052 or 23053
Fax: +43 50 100 - 9 23051
Email: jutta.hofstaetter@steiermaerkische.at

forumZUKUNFT

We as Steiermärkische Sparkasse have a crystal-clear vision of a good future: 
All people should be able to live in a world which is economically, ecologically, socially and financially healthy. Creating this world is hard work – especially with honest, objective discussion and exchange.
This exchange is exactly what forumZUKUNFT offers, which we not only support as a sponsor, but with our ideas for a tomorrow worth living for too.

Die Manufaktur (The Manufactory)

We proudly support “Die Manufaktur” as the project provides a valuable contribution to our society. We believe in people, their strengths, and their beliefs. However, we also know that not everyone has the same opportunities in life. Die Manufaktur offers employment prospects to people with limited access to the labour market and focuses on supportive, respectful behaviour towards employees. This work is in line with our Sparkasse concept, and we are delighted to once again fulfil our social responsibility by supporting the project.

Hospizverein (Hospice Association)

Ever since it was founded in 1993, the focus of Hospizverein Steiermark (the Styrian hospice association) has always been centred on the people. It is important to Steiermärkische Sparkasse to support organisations that help people directly. Such as the almost 900 dedicated and trained volunteers of the hospice association, who accompany people in their final and sometimes painful stages, while also supporting their relatives and families during those difficult times. In addition to financial support, the partnership also includes another, more valuable component: 23 employees of Steiermärkische Sparkasse are trained hospice companions. Seven of them volunteer in the hospice groups in their local towns.

Caritas „tag.werk“

Volkshilfe Steiermark (Styrian People’s Aid)

With the support of Steiermärkische Sparkasse, Volkshilfe is taking a stand against child poverty with the project “It's the taking part that counts — every child deserves every chance”, offering financial support to individual families affected by poverty or at risk of poverty and thus enabling social participation. The goal is to relieve families with schoolchildren of financial, emotional and social burdens by ensuring that these children can participate in school activities. Over 300 schoolchildren have been supported since 2018.

SINDBAD Graz – Mentoring for Teenagers and Young Adults

Sindbad provides 13–15-year-olds with mentors for 12 months. These mentors are either young professionals or university students themselves.
Every mentee has a personal mentor who works on future plans and helps them take tangible steps in terms of education. The mentoring teams’ goals are to ensure a successful start in higher education or an apprenticeship.
To ensure that our society still functions well tomorrow, we need young people who believe in themselves today. This is where Sindbad comes in, helping young people to seize opportunities and take their lives into their own hands. Steiermärkische Sparkasse believes in young people and is actively committed to their opportunities. Furthermore, 5 Steiermärkische Sparkasse employees volunteer as Sindbad mentors.

YOUNUS

Steiermärkische Sparkasse has been a YOUNUS (formerly known as Big Brothers Big Sisters Austria) partner since 2018. YOUNUS believes that every child is entitled to opportunities for personal development and exploring their potential – because every person in Austria should have someone by their side in life.

In Styria, Steiermärkische Sparkasse supports the mentoring program at Triester Primary School and Gabelsberger Primary School.

Rainbows – For Children in Times of Turmoil 

Intakt Festival

Culture is inclusive. Cultural funding is collective.
The inclusive dance, culture, and theatre festival InTaKT is an important symbol of togetherness in society. This is why we not only take care of the financial aspects of our clients' lives, but also support select cultural projects that offer everyone the same opportunities.

Netzwerk Verantwortung zeigen (The Be Responsible Network)

Ever since its establishment, Steiermärkische Sparkasse has shown its social commitment and supported organisations that are dedicated to people’s welfare. Verantwortung zeigen!
(Be responsible!) connects companies, institutions, and organisations who are committed to sustainable business practices within their field and help ensure that the economy and society remain well-connected. Nationwide campaigns, such as the Verantwortung Zeigen! Engagement Day or the Verantwortung Zeigen! advent calendar, strengthen social solidarity and demonstrate how this works in practice.

The Red Cross of Northern Macedonia – Home Care Center

Steiermärkische Sparkasse and the Sparkasse Bank have been supporting the northern Macedonian Red Cross since 2017. They provide mobile help and offer various daytime activities for elderly people at risk of poverty and who are often also socially isolated.

Haus der Barmherzigkeit (The House of Compassion)

The establishment of the Haus der Barmherzigkeit is rich in tradition and can be traced back to a private initiative that was supported by Steiermärkische Sparkasse. To mark the 50th anniversary of Emperor Franz Josef's reign, the nursing home was founded on November 10, 1898, and officially named Emperor Franz Josef the first’s government anniversary foundation of Steiermärkische Sparkasse’s House of Compassion for the terminally ill in Styria.

By dedicating funds to the nursing home, Steiermärkische Sparkasse took on an important leading role as a promoter of social and health care.