The Maecenata Foundation is a German nonprofit promoting civil society, philanthropy, dialogue, and transnational exchange.

The Maecenata Foundation is a German-based independent think tank dedicated to enhancing and promoting civil society, civic engagement, philanthropy, and foundations. Operating under German civil law, the foundation is committed to fostering transnational and transcultural exchange, intercultural dialogue, and interdisciplinary work. Its mission encompasses advancing knowledge and understanding of civil society through research, academic teaching, and relevant publications, while also participating in and organizing the interplay between academia, politics, and the field in regard to civil society and philanthropy.

Founded in 2010 by Rupert Graf Strachwitz, the Maecenata Foundation emerged as an umbrella organization to consolidate and expand upon the activities of the Maecenata Institute for Philanthropy and Civil Society, which was established in 1997. The foundation's creation aimed to address the evolving needs of civil society and to provide a structured platform for research, dialogue, and advocacy in the realms of civic engagement and philanthropy. Since 2015, all programs have operated from the foundation's Berlin office, reflecting a strategic shift to centralize operations and enhance its impact.

The Maecenata Foundation is governed by a supervisory board and an executive board, comprising individuals with expertise in various fields related to civil society and philanthropy. The foundation's staff includes a mix of full-time employees, student assistants, and volunteers, all dedicated to the foundation's mission across its three permanent programs:

1. Maecenata Institute: Focuses on interdisciplinary research and academic teaching related to civil society, philanthropy, and foundations.

2. Transnational Giving: Facilitates international donations, enabling donors to support charitable causes across borders while benefiting from tax advantages.

3. Tocqueville Forum: Serves as a networking and support platform for civil society organizations, fostering dialogue and collaboration.

The Maecenata Foundation's activities are supported through a combination of funding sources:

- Donations: Approximately 50,000 donors contribute annually to approved organisations within Transnational Giving.

- Grants: The foundation receives occasional grants from governmental bodies such as the European Commission and the German government, as well as from non-governmental organizations like the Open Society Foundations and the Gulbenkian Foundation.

-Endowment: While the foundation's endowment is modest, it provides a stable financial base for its operations

The Maecenata Foundation stands as a pivotal institution in the realm of civil society and philanthropy, dedicated to fostering knowledge, dialogue, and collaboration across borders. Through its research, educational programs, and advocacy efforts, the foundation continues to contribute to the development of a vibrant and resilient civil society, both in Germany and internationally.

Maecenata Stiftung

1151123349

We are a nonprofit, so instead of charging fees we rely on the generosity of donors like you.

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