ECFI Guide: Community Foundations in Germany

The guide presents the development and distinct identity of community foundations in Germany. Emerging in the 1990s as a new form of civic self-organisation, they bridge philanthropy, volunteerism, and local problem-solving. German community foundations combine independence, transparency, and broad citizen participation to strengthen communities. Their roles—as asset managers, platforms for civic engagement, and intermediaries in local networks—make them vital actors in addressing social challenges, from youth inclusion to refugee support. In 2016 over 300 such foundations operated nationwide, fostering trust and collaboration between citizens, government, and business.