The Institute
The Maecenata Institute for Philanthropy and Civil Society, founded in 1997, is now a recognized academic research institute. As an independent social science think tank, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge and understanding of civil society – often referred to as the Third Sector. The Institute pursues this mission through interdisciplinary research, academic teaching, and publications, as well as by fostering dialogue between academia, politics, and practice.
Research Focus
The Institute’s research explores the diverse roles of civil society in national and international contexts, with key areas including:
- Civil society and the state
- Civil society and civic engagement
- Civil society in other research contexts and practices
- Civil society in international contexts
- Philanthropy and foundations.
Collaboration & Global Engagement
Committed to international cooperation and networking, the Maecenata Institute maintains strong connections with scholars and institutions both in Germany and abroad. Much of its research is conducted in collaboration with partner organizations. The Institute actively participates in community initiatives, contributes to professional networks, and engages in cross-sectoral dialogue to further its mission.
Examples of these projects are:
- Religious communities and civil society in Europe,
- Civil society and refugees in German municipalities,
- Urban development, civic engagement and civil society,
- Reforms to foundation and charity law,
- Germany study of the Civicus Civil Society Index project,
- Germany study of the Roles and Visions of Foundations in Europe project,
- Germany and Austria as case studies in the Philanthropication through privatization project
- Donations in interdisciplinary perspective
Current Projects
Ongoing Projects
Teaching
Completed Projects
2022
2020
2018
- Kirche als Ort und Akteur der Zivilgesellschaft
- Begleitforschung: Zivilgesellschaft und Geflüchtete in deutschen Kommunen
- Forschungsprojekt: Engagiert in neuer Umgebung
2017
2016
2015
- Forschungsprojekt: Religionsgemeinschaften und Zivilgesellschaft in Europa
- 25 Jahre danach: Zivilgesellschaft in Mittel- und Osteuropa
- Lebenssinn und Erbe
2014
- Sonderauswertung des STIIX – Der Index für Stiftungen
- Philanthropication through Privatization Project
- Ehre und Lohn – Vergütung von Führungskräften in Stiftungen
2013
2012
2010
2009
- Stadtentwicklung, Zivilgesellschaft und bürgerschaftliches Engagement – ein Forschungs- und Publikationsprojekt
- Family Foundations Philanthropy
- Für mehr Bürgerengagement
- Zivilgesellschaftliche Akteure im trilateralen Dialog
2007
The Institute conceptualises its own research projects and therefore applies for the necessary funds. It fulfils research contracts/ assignments and develops studies, surveys and opinion pieces. The research results produced in house and elsewhere and presented for discussion in public colloquia. Full-time and voluntary employees as well as Fellows, members of the research Collegium and academic and student assistants. Institute staff teach in different disciplines at five universities in Germany. They are also available for teaching and lecturing posts at universities, academies and other institutions in Germany and abroad.
The research Collegium has been a part of the Institute since 2000, an interdisciplinary forum for learning and exchanging ideas for young academics from the German-speaking realm. Members are, among other things but not exclusively, PHD candidates in the disciplines of sociology, political science, European anthropology, history, economics, business management, geography, etc.
The Institute’s publication series are:
- The academic book series Maecenata Schriften
published by De Gruyter, Berlin http://www.degruyter.com/view/serial/473309 - The electronic, fully quotable series Opuscula
(self-published occasional papers) opuscula.maecenata.eu
External academics also have the opportunity to contribute to these series. Furthermore, institute staff regularly publish in specialist media at home and abroad.
The Institute finances its research projects almost exclusively through third-party funding, such as project-specific donations from foundations, as well as public and private donors, for example the Förderverein Zivilgesellschaftsforschung e.V. (FVZF). It is also reliant on donations.
The Institute’s office is also home to the Maecenata Library, the largest library specialising in civil society, civic engagement, philanthropy and foundations in the German-speaking realm. It is open to the public.
To date, the Institute has carried out over 60 individual research projects, which have produced over 300 publications.
Examples of these projects are:
- Religious communities and civil society in Europe,
- Civil society and refugees in German municipalities,
- Urban development, civic engagement and civil society,
- Reforms to foundation and charity law,
- Germany study of the Civicus Civil Society Index project,
- Germany study of the Roles and Visions of Foundations in Europe project,
- Germany and Austria as case studies in the Philanthropication through privatization project
- Donations in interdisciplinary perspective
News from the Maecenata Institute
Protest and Support – The Dual role of Israel’s Civil Society in 2023
Opusculum 191 | 28.05.2024 | The paper takes a look at various organisations that were active in the protests to preserve democracy and examines their involvement in humanitarian aid on the basis of interviews.
Rotary in Ukraine – Findings of an Accompanying Research Project
Opusculum 190 | 21.05.2024 | The surveys show that a large number of Rotary clubs operated independently of centrally collected funds and carried out many projects and initiatives
Civil Society is Here to Stay! A Report on the Shrinking Civic Space Project (2019-2023)
Opusculum 186 | 01.03.2024 | New report on the research and policy project conducted by the Maecenata Institute from 2019 to 2023
