ERSTE Foundation (in German DIE ERSTE österreichische Spar-Casse Privatstiftung or in short: ERSTE Stiftung) is the biggest Austrian savings bank foundation. In 2003, it evolved from the Erste Oesterreichische Spar-Casse, the first Austrian savings bank founded in 1819. It is the main shareholder of Erste Group. As a private austrian savings banks foundation, the foundation is committed to serve the common good. ERSTE Foundation invests parts of its dividends to support the development of societies in Central and South Eastern Europe.