Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft

Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft – or Stifterverband for short – is a registered not-for-profit association that is based in Essen and which also has a capital city office in Berlin. Its work is focused on education, science and innovation. The Stifterverband organisation analyses, advises, supports and networks science and business. Through the German Foundation Centre (DSZ), the Stifterverband also sponsors some 670 foundations at present, most of which are dedicated to advancing science. The Stifterverband was established in 1920 as “Stifterverband der Notgemeinschaft der deutschen Wissenschaft” (Stifterverband Emergency Association of German Science). The Stifterverband is financed first and foremost through the donations of its approximately 3,000 members. Its primary sponsors include numerous major corporations such as Deutsche Bank, Daimler or Bosch. Other sponsors include SMEs and private individuals. In 2021, the Stifterverband invested €44.5 million in its support programmes. The biggest single item here, €11.6 million, is accounted for by foundation chairs at universities and advanced technical colleges.