Maecenata Foundation
For a vibrant civil society
Since 1997, the Maecenata Foundation has been conducting research into civil society, translating its findings into political debates and facilitating cross-border donations. In this way, we strengthen civic engagement as an independent social force – for democracy, social cohesion and an open society.
About the Foundation
Independent and value-driven since 1989.
The Maecenata Foundation is an non-profit foundation under civil law, based in Munich with an office in Berlin – independent of state funding, interdisciplinary and value-driven.
What began as a private initiative is now one of the few institutions in the German-speaking world that brings together civil society research, political dialogue and philanthropic practice under one roof. It is an independent voice that contributes to public debates on the basis of its own research.
Our belief is that civil society organisations and civic engagement are not merely peripheral features of democratic societies. They are the very fabric of such societies. They deserve public attention and a reliable framework. And they need sound knowledge to help them move forward.
Committees
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees ensures that the founder’s wishes are upheld, takes decisions on all matters of fundamental importance and supervises the Executive Board. This includes, in particular, the approval of the annual accounts.
The members of the Foundation Board are:
- Dr Rolf Alter, member since 2022, Chair of the Foundation Board since 2025
- Thomas Kleine-Brockhoff, since 2025
- Christina Tillmann, member since 2024, deputy chair since 2025
- Stefanie Wahl, member since 2012, Chair from 2018 to 2025
- Victoria Weber (née Strachwitz), member since 2011
Executive Board
The Executive Board consists of Ansgar Gessner (Executive Director) and Dr Rupert Graf Strachwitz (Board Member). The Executive Board represents the Maecenata Foundation externally and reports regularly to the Foundation Council.
Network partners
Networks & partners in Germany (selection)
- Allianz: Legal certainty for political decision-making
- Federal Network for Civic Engagement, Civil Society Research Working Group
- Federal Association of German Foundations
- Alliance for Charitable Organisations, Advisory Board
- German Political Science Association (DVPW)
- Europa University Flensburg, Wasatia Graduate School
- Berlin University of Applied Sciences for Business and Law
- Transparent Civil Society Initiative, Sponsoring Group
- NPO Group in the AMLCFT tripartite dialogue
- University of Münster, Professional School
- ZiviZ at the Stifterverband
International Networks & Partners (selection)
- Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)
- CIVICUS
- European Centre for Not-for-Profit Law
- European Civic Forum
- European Research Network on Philanthropy
- European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Civil Society Network
- Giving Europe
- French Institute for the Voluntary Sector
- International Society for Third Sector Research, Centre Directors’ Network
- Philea, Legal Affairs Committee
- University of St Andrews, Centre for the Study of Philanthropy and the Public Good
Associates
Fellows
- Dr Thomas Adam, University of Arkansas (2012)
- Prof. Dr Frank Adloff, University of Hamburg (2012)
- Dr Elke Bojarra-Becker. German Institute for Urban Studies (2012)
- Luisa Bonin, MA, Common Goal (2023)
- Dr Marwa El-Daly, American University in Cairo (2012)
- Dr Nora Derbal, Hebrew University of Jerusalem (2023)
- Prof. Dr Anna Domaradzka, University of Warsaw (2023)
- Thomas Ebermann, B.Com., Gutes Stiften GmbH (2012)
- Markus Edlefsen, MA, University of Sustainable Development (2023)
- Wolfgang Goede, MA, science journalist (2023)
- Prof. Dr Eva Maria Hinterhuber, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (2010)
- Dr Philipp Hoelscher, Phineo gAG (2006)
- Prof. Dr Tobias Jung, University of St Andrews, Scotland (2023)
- PD Dr Ansgar Klein, Humboldt University of Berlin (2011)
- Nataliia Lomonosova, MA (2023)
- Bernhard Matzak, MA, former Head of the Maecenata Library (2023)
- Sabine Reimer, Graduate in Social Work, German Business Foundation (2006)
- Susanne Rindt, MA, AWO Federal Association (2006)
- Christian Schreier, MA, Federal Network for Civic Engagement (2023)
- Michael Seberich M.A., *Wider Sense* (2023)
- Dr Rainer Sprengel, Federal Network for Civic Engagement (2006)
- Prof. Dr Stefan Toepler, George Mason University (1997)
- Timo Unger, MA (2023)
- Prof. Dr Annette Zimmer, University of Münster (2023)
Press
Jobs
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