The Maecenata Foundation is an independent think tank, specialising in the subjects of civil society, civic engagement, philanthropy and foundations.

It has the legal form of a non-profit foundation under civil law and is based in Munich. It was founded in 2010 and has encompassed all Maecenata activities under its roof since 2011. The Foundation manages and collates the activities of its programmes and publishes its stance on major issues. It sees itself as an ideal service provider for civil society and advocates its transnational strengthening and the development of an open society in Europe and beyond. The Maecenata Foundation realises its statutory purposes through four permanent programmes and other projects.