Save Social – Networks For Democracy is launching the Mastodon server “stiftungen.social – A democratic instance” on behalf of a total of 16 foundations today (4 May 2026). The charitable organisation developed and set up the server in collaboration with six founding foundations.
Sixteen foundations are leading by example. Through their commitment, they are strengthening Europe’s resilient information infrastructure.
We encourage other stakeholders, including public authorities, media companies, broadcasters, organisations and associations, to follow suit and commit to open communication networks whose rules are determined by society itself, rather than a handful of wealthy billionaires in the US. We would be happy to support them on this journey.
The initiators launching the ‘stiftungen.social’ server are: the Rudolf Augstein Foundation, the Robert Bosch Foundation, the Hertie Foundation, the Joachim Herz Foundation, the Volkswagen Foundation, and the ZEIT STIFTUNG BUCERIUS.
From 4 May, the following organisations will also be using the shared ‘stiftungen.social’ server: the Allianz Foundation, the Bertelsmann Foundation, the Deutsche Nationalstiftung, the Karg Foundation, the Körber Foundation, the Lower Saxony Lotto Sports Foundation, the Michael Otto Foundation for Sustainability, the Schöpflin Foundation, the taz panterstiftung and the Carl Zeiss Foundation.
Voices
Hate speech, incitement and disinformation are increasing across networks owned by US and Chinese corporations. Furthermore, these platforms are shirking their responsibilities and evading regulation. This undermines trust in information and distorts public debate through algorithms. With ‘stiftungen.social’, we are promoting independent social networks and strengthening new, autonomous digital spaces.
The fact that major German foundations are launching their own Mastodon server sends an important signal.
By doing so, they are actively contributing to the development and maintenance of an independent information infrastructure, which is crucial for our democracies. We are delighted that, in future, the foundations’ high-quality content will enrich the global Mastodon network.
Through stiftungen.social, the foundations are committed to an open, algorithm-free information infrastructure based on European open-source technology for digital communication. With the new server, they are pursuing the ‘Plus 1 strategy’ to reduce their dependence on major Chinese and US tech platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok, for social media communications.
This project is being presented for the first time at the 2MR Festival today (Monday 4 May 2026), at Bucerius Law School in Hamburg, where the focus is on social media that strengthens democracy. Throughout the day, the participating foundations will also be posting their first contributions on Mastodon under the hashtag #neuhier. Via the link (https://fedidevs.com/s/OTk3/ (external link)), Mastodon users can follow all the accounts on “stiftungen.social” with a single click.
‘stiftungen.social’ is the new home for the foundations on the Mastodon network. Through the platform, the participating foundations can communicate with around 10 million users worldwide about their work. ‘stiftungen.social’ acts as a sender address, guaranteeing the quality and authenticity of the messages whilst also facilitating dialogue with a growing community. Further foundations operating within the framework of the democratic constitutional order in German-speaking countries are welcome to join the server.
Mastodon is a decentralised social network connecting people via independent, interconnected servers. It enables users to share short posts, discussions and media within an open and diverse digital public sphere. Its decentralised structure comprises many interconnected servers and promotes digital sovereignty, communities and self-determined online communication.
Press Images
The server image for stiftungen.social is available at savesocial.eu/stiftungen.
Press Contact
- Save Social – Networks for Democracy gUG Björn Staschen presse@savesocial.eu +49-171-8350264
