Join the Verein

180 DC is an ecosystem, a cycle of equal give and take, creating win-win scenarios!

As a non-for-profit organization, all active participants (consultants, the executive team, mentors and coaches) give of their time and take professional experience and training from the semester.

However, as any non-profit, we have costs that must be covered each semester -- like our Zoom account, our GDPR compliant newsletter software, and contributions to 180 DC Global. We have traditionally scrambled to cover these costs each semester, and gone without tools that would make the program more professional because there is no budget for them.

We’d like to ask you, Alumni who received training and continue to receive newsletters and networking opportunities, to consider giving back to the ecosystem.

This semester, we’re working to make the 180 DC Berlin program financially self-sustaining through donations from our community, so that we are not as limited by the limits of external generosity. If you have benefited from the 180 DC program and are not able to give of your time, we invite you to support us with a low, tax-deductible yearly donation. By contributing 30 or 50€/year, you help our ecosystem stay circular and our impact grow!

To comply with German laws, this is done in the form of a “passive Verein membership” (more details below). Please complete this form and return it to Charly Steinbock, our Second Verein Chairperson, at csteinbock@180dc.org.

What is a Verein?

A Verein is a legally recognised non-profit organization that comprises a group of people with the same goal. They must have a democratically elected board (we have Saskia Zander, Charly Steinbock, and Benedikt Ewald!) and a yearly general assembly. A Verein has a legal statute outlining how the organization works, including details of their leadership structure and finances. While the 180 DC Berlin executive team manages the operational side of the organization, the Verein board handles the legal and financial affairs so our branch is successful for many years to come!
What are the benefits of 180 DC Berlin being a Verein?

Being encorporated as a Verein means that we receive tax benefits that save costs! Donations to us are tax deductible, and this also makes us more attractive to business partners. Being a Verein also aligns with our values as an organization. By declaring our non-profit status legally, we codify our goal of creating social impact and being accessible for all, rather than profit.
What does being a “passive member” mean for me?

Being a passive member really just means that you commit to supporting an organization that supported you, without requiring you to be in the country or give of your time (which can sometimes be more precious than €50, we know). For legal purposes, you will receive a report once a year outlining the behind-the-scenes functioning of the branch and work of the Verein. You’ll also get the fancy German word status of a “Vereinsmitglieder”.... which is really just a fancy German word for member, or supporter. No action other than your donation is required.
How is this different from a donation?

Joining as a passive member is like a subscription service -- it’s sustainable and reliable support for our branch, a once-a-year SEPA transfer from your bank account to our Verein’s account. A refund is always possible should you change your mind next year though, don’t worry! We of course also welcome one-time donations, but as we strive to be a financially self-sustaining organization, we rely upon these predictable donations from our passive Verein members.