We advocate for a society in which everyone is accepted and valued for their individuality. We recognise the strength of diversity and actively promote respectful and supportive coexistence. We reject all forms of group-based hostility, including racism, right-wing extremism, anti-Semitism and sexism. The fundamental right enshrined in Article 1 of the German Grundgesetz - Basic Law — 'Human dignity shall be inviolable' — is the guiding principle for our actions. Regardless of origin, faith, gender, age, sexual orientation or physical and mental abilities, we believe that everyone has an equal right to respect, dignity and participation. Therefore, we resolutely oppose all forms of discrimination and exclusion.
This commitment means we will not collaborate with individuals or organisations that tolerate, endorse or actively promote group-based hostility.
"We want to take responsibility, give the future a strong and lasting voice, and campaign on behalf of young people and their interests."
In 2001, Hans Schöpflin founded the Schöpflin Stiftung together with his siblings Heidi Junghanss and Albert Schöpflin. In a three-part »Legacy Film«, we have captured the founding family’s vision and commitment for future generations and for those interested in philanthropy.
Released in 2025, the films trace the siblings’ motivations and guiding ideas at the time of the foundation’s establishment. They feature reflections from individuals who encountered and worked with founder Hans Schöpflin, while illustrating the vital role that courage, trust, and a willingness to embrace risk play in philanthropic work. Having achieved success over decades as a venture capitalist, Hans Schöpflin shaped the development of the foundation with the same conviction that defined his professional career: supporting people who tackle the major challenges of our time with innovative ideas and the determination to put them into practice.
The films also offer insight into how the next generation of the founding family carries these values and principles forward—reinterpreting them for a changing world, preserving the legacy of the founding siblings, and at the same time setting its own distinctive impulses.
(The videos have subtitles in English and German. These can be activated in the video player.)
Click on the ‘Activate’ link to view the content. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to Youtube after activation. More Information
Click on the ‘Activate’ link to view the content. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to Youtube after activation. More Information
Click on the ‘Activate’ link to view the content. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to Youtube after activation. More Information
"We are committed to a strong civil society and a diverse NGO sector."
Our goals and funding objectives are also set out in our foundation's statutes.
We rely on collaborative action in all our activities: In our operational work, we can count on numerous partners who work with us to drive ideas forward and implement projects. As a funding foundation, we also prefer to work together with others: We build funding consortia and also become part of funding consortia that others initiate.
However, to achieve a lasting impact and bring about change, we need sufficient funding. Therefore, we are always happy to hear from anyone who wants to support us!
The Schöpflin Foundation is not funded by donations. Instead our annual budget, made available to fulfill our purpose, comes from the entrepreneurial activities of Hans Schöpflin. Nevertheless, we are happy to accept donations.
Would you like to support our work with a donation? Write to us at kontakt@schoepflin-stiftung.de.
Would you like to support a specific organization from our current or former network of funding partners with a donation? Please contact the program management of the relevant subject area in our funding section.
We support a portfolio of over 50 organizations in the areas of Learning & Participation, Listening & Cohesion, Economy & Social Responsibility as well as Backbone & Relations.
You can join us as a sponsor at any time: If you would like to become a sponsor or if you are interested in certain topics, but do not have or do not want to set up a foundation yourself, please contact us and we will be happy to help you with the process!
Write to us to arrange an individual appointment: kontakt@schoepflin-stiftung.de.
Are you concerned about what should happen to your assets one day? Is it important to you that your inheritance is used for a good cause?
We are happy to be your partner in this area, too: you can appoint the Schöpflin Foundation as your heir so that your funds are exclusively used for charitable purposes. We would be happy to consult with you on which areas your funds should be used for if you wish to dedicate them thematically.
Contact us to arrange an individual meeting: kontakt@schoepflin-stiftung.de
Why should you leave your inheritance to the Schöpflin Foundation? These are the reasons given to us by people who have decided to take this step (but wish to remain anonymous during their lifetime):
»We have no direct descendants and didn't want our assets to trickle away in private after our death. It was important to us that it benefits the general public.«
»What we liked about the Schöpflin Foundation was that it is based in the region to which we feel a connection. Its socio-political stance and commitment to democracy also appealed to us.«
»When we contacted the foundation, Hans Schöpflin and Tim Göbel were immediately willing to meet with us and talk to us. The conversation was very open and personal. That also played a major role in our decision.«
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