Stiftungen als Trabanten der Engagementpolitik? Zum Versuch der Quangoisierung des Stiftungswesens durch die Nationale Engagementstrategie

In: Forschungsjournal Soziale Bewegungen: Analysen zu Demokratie und Zivilgesellschaft, Band 24, Heft 3, S. 90-96

Abstract

Quangos (Quasi-Non-Governmental Organisations) are hybrids which on the one hand are subject to private law but on the other hand take on state tasks and as such are strongly under the influence of public authorities. The wording of the national engagement strategy provides evidence that foundations are becoming quangoised and thus points to a renunciation of the idea that organised civil society should be activated. On basis of the expectations voiced by the federal government concerning functions of foundations and with recourse to a supposed influence of foundations on engagement policy, the essay shows parallels to corporatist arrangements between state and recognised independent institutions. In view of the problems which a quangoisation of foundations would entail in terms of democracy policy, the limits of this 'strategy within the engagement strategy' become apparent: this attempt devalues civil society impulses within and outside of foundations and runs counter to a concept of state as enabler of genuinely civil society solutions. In addition, it privileges and instrumentalises foundations at the same time, thus 'splitting' the foundation landscape. Adapted from the source document