Programmes: |
 |
Overview
The Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen e.V. and the Verband Deutscher Wohltätigkeitsstiftungen e.V. count among their members many distinguished private and public foundations, but also charitable bodies and trusts operated by local authorities, universities, dioceses, churches and other institutions. They range from the oldest foundation, the Hospitalstifung in Wemding Rics, which dates back to 1917, to the large scientific and cultural foundations established in recent decades and thus represents a cross-section of German social and cultural history. The great majority of foundations serve the common good but they too need an organization to look after their mutual interests, especially where legal and tax matters are concerned.
- The Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen e.V. represents in particular nonprofit foundations which serve charitable or church-related purposes.
- The Verband Deutscher Wohltätigkeitsstiftungen e.V. embraces these members of the Federal Association who engage in welfare activities. It is one of the recognized associations of independent charities.
Both organizations record the work of their foundations and inform interested persons and institutions as well as the public about developments in this field. They propose research on foundation activities and provide counseling for their members. They also advise individuals or institutions wishing to set up a foundation, especially in the new German states.
In the nearly 50 years of their existence both organizations have played an important role in strengthening the basis for charitable work and building up the public image of the institutions concerned. The greater the number of foundations and trusts, grantmaking foundations with an endowment as well as family foundations or "foundations" incorporated as charitable associations or corporations who join the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen e.V. and the Verband Deutscher Wohltätigkeitsstiftungen e.V., the better the possibilities for promoting foundation work and looking after the interests of the institutions involved. Organization and activities
1. General meetings of the two associations are held jointly at least once a year. Their principal task is to:
- elect the members of the Executive Committee, of the Boards of Trustees and the Treasurer;
- receive the reports of the Executive Committee and the Treasurer and the working groups, and to ratify the activities of the Executive Committee;
- appoint Honorary Chairmen and Honorary Members;
- decide on any proposed amendments to the Deed.
2. Since the members of the Verbard Deutscher Wohltätigkeitsstiftungen e.V. are also members of the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen e.V., the members of the Executive Committee of the two associations (First Chairman, Second Chairman and three other members) are as a rule identical. This joint Executive Committee is responsible for the fulfillment of the functions of both associations. It may appoint an Executive Director and set up committees to prepare its decisions; it may also call upon the services of experts.
In consultation with the Board of Trustees the Executive Committee may appoint working groups for specific fields of activity.
The groups concerned with
- taxation and economic questions
- real estate law and municipal law for foundations
- religious foundations
- social foundations
- cultural foundations
- education and vocational training
- foundations promoting the sciences
- protection of environment, nature and landscape
have been operating on a permanent basis.
Meetings of the working groups are held regularly when the annual meetings of the two organizations are in session. In addition, there are a "discussion group on foundation law" and other groups which meet to exchange information.
3. The various groups of members are represented on the Boards of Trustees of the two associations. The Board of Trustees of the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen e.V. has 12 elected and eight co-opted members, and the Board of Trustees of the Verband Deutscher Wohltätigkeitsstifungen e.V. three elected and two co-opted members.
The Boards of Trustees discuss the work of the associations and assist the Executive Committee in carrying out its responsibilities. The Executive Committee submits matters of importance to the Boards of Trustees for discussion and decision. Both Boards of Trustees and the Executive Board meet together.
Membership and subscriptions
1. The members of the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen e.V. are mostly private and public foundations. These include dependent trusts and benevolent societies in the form of registered associations which serve welfare, charitable, cultural or church-related purposes within the meaning of the section of the Tax Code on "purposes qualifying for tax concessions."
2. Any German charitable foundation may become a member of the Verband Deutscher Wohltätigkeitsstifungen e.V. Members of this association are simultaneously members of the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen e.V.
3. The management bodies of local authorities and of religious or other institutions may acquire membership of both associations for the endowments and similar assets in their charge.
4. Other legal and natural persons may also become members of the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen e.V. as friends if they advocate its aims and wish to support its purpose. These include foundations which cannot be considered public welfare or charitable organizations within the meaning of the Tax Code merely because their purpose is restricted in scope (for instance, to families or company employees).
5. No formalities are required for admission to the Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen e.V. or the Verband Deutscher Wohltätigkeitsstifungen e.V. The letter of application should contain, for the information of the Executive Committee, the main particulars about the foundation (year of establishment, legal form, location, organs, assets, purpose, correspondents and address), if such data are not contained in the foundation's deed. The office of the Bundesverband requires a copy of the deed for its records. Applications are decided upon by the Executive Committee.
6. The subscription due at the beginning of each current year will be determined in the light of the member's financial situation. The foundation's annual income may be taken as a general guide. The minimum subscription is DM 300 a year. For natural persons who become members of the Bundesverband as friends the minimum subscription is DM 100 a year. |
