Association of German Foundations
The Association of German Foundations which was founded in 1948, currently consists of more than 4.400 members and represents the interests of over 22.000 German foundations vis-à-vis politics and society. This makes it both the oldest and largest association of foundations in Europe. It aims to support the continued development of the foundation sector along with an increase of public awareness about the role of foundations in society. The association is committed to enabling foundations to implement and realise their work and objectives more effectively. This includes efforts to improve the general conditions of foundation law and foundation tax law. Through continuous contact with public decision-makers and opinion leaders, the Association of German Foundations incorporates practice-oriented expertise into political decision-making processes and news coverage.
Mission
Private giving and the work of non-profit oriented foundations have grown in importance due to the increasing challenges of our society. The growth of the foundation sector is an expression of stronger private engagement for current and future problems facing the common good. Foundations are more and more responsible for stimulating and sustaining important social functions. It is precisely the variety in size and aim of these foundations which means that the Association of German Foundations has a special role to play, namely in coordinating, providing services and representing interests across the board. Against this background, the Association of German Foundations sees itself as: a modern service provider that informs, advises and supports its members; a non-profit initiative financed by its member foundations and partners of the foundation sector, which, through targeted media work and public outreach, champions the development of civil society and the strengthening of sustainable private engagement in and by foundations, thereby promoting the foundation spirit; the umbrella organisation for German foundations and donors mandated to: represent their interests vis-à-vis the government and the public; campaign for the improvement of the legal and fiscal framework for foundations; contribute comprehensively towards the creation and improvement of a foundation-friendly atmosphere, thereby facilitating the improvement of foundations’ effectiveness, as well as structures in the foundation sector; foster dialogue between foundations, politics, the public sphere, science and the economy.