As a result of the events of 1938, the Jewish members of the University of Graz were expelled from the university by the National Socialists and driven from their homeland. In memory of this and with the intention of making a lasting contribution to the promotion of tolerance and understanding, the University of Graz established the David Herzog Fund by resolution of the Academic Senate on 11 March 1988. The fund was named after the last provincial rabbi and university lecturer in Graz, David Herzog.
The aim of the David Herzog Fund scholarships was and is to promote and support intercultural understanding and learning - especially with regard to Jewish culture. Since 2005, the David Herzog Fund has been supported by all Styrian universities.