In 2007 Martin and Gerda Essl founded the Essl Foundation, which annually awards the Essl Social Prize as an international Social Prize. The aim of this is to support social projects. From the year 2008 onwards a share of EUR 1,000,000,-- will be given to projects by social entrepreneurs which prove to be exceptional, pathbreaking and efficient.
In addition further innovative social projects are initiated and supported, such as the Essl Social Index.