The basic principle of a foundation (in German, a Stiftung) is that its founder (either an individual or organization) wants to make a long-term financial commitment to a specific charitable or educational purpose. More than two-thirds of those who set up foundations in Germany are individuals who want to use their private wealth to further a cause, however, a Stiftung can also be set up by a company or organization. The donor determines the purpose of a foundation when it is first established, and this purpose may not be substantially changed at a later stage.
Foundations can either directly initiate projects themselves, or, support projects of other non-profit organizations with their resources. In 2018, according to the Federal Association of German Foundations, there are a total of 22,274 foundations operating in Germany, which together hold assets of an estimated €68 billion. They are therefore important players in the social sector, as well as being attractive potential employers.
Thousands of foundations have also been established by citizens in cities and at regional levels across Germany. The German Citizens' Foundations Initiative provides a great overview of these.
Here is an overview of the largest foundations in Germany:
- Open Society Foundations
- BMW Foundation
- Robert Bosch Foundation
- Hertie Foundation
- Bertelsmann Foundation
- Benckiser Foundation
- German Academic Exchange Service
- Humboldt Foundation
- The Council for International Exchange of Scholars: Fulbright Scholar Program
- American Council on Germany
- Bayer Foundations
- Einstein Foundation
- Volkswagen Foundation
- ZEIT-Foundation Ebelin and Gerd Bucerius