What Human Foundation does

Stiftung Mensch (operating name: Human Foundation) is a German gemeinnützige Stiftung privaten Rechts founded in 1964 and headquartered in Meldorf, Schleswig-Holstein. It operates one of the largest integrated social service platforms in the region, providing housing, employment, education, and nursing care for approximately 1,200 people with and without disabilities across 5 locations and 40 owned properties. Core services include inclusive childcare (Kita Löwenherz, Heilpädagogische Frühförderung, LautStark language training), residential homes and assisted living, ambulatory and intensive nursing care through subsidiaries Mook we gern gGmbH (acquired 2014) and Pflegeservice Albersdorf gGmbH (acquired 2022), vocational rehabilitation across 22 workshop trades, and the MAX Bildungszentrum vocational education center. The foundation also operates social enterprises including a Bioland-certified organic farm, the Strandkorbmanufaktur producing traditional handcrafted beach chairs and the award-winning Schlafstrandkorb, and cultural heritage sites (Altes Pastorat, Schleswig-Holsteinisches Landwirtschaftsmuseum).

Revenue is generated through a hybrid model: statutory reimbursements from Pflegeversicherung (long-term care insurance) and Eingliederungshilfe (disability assistance) for care services, B2B contracts for workshop products and industrial services (assembly, metalwork, electrical assembly, logistics, laundry, digitization), direct consumer sales of handmade products and organic farm goods, vocational training funded through Ausbildungsförderung, and tax-deductible donations. With 1,300+ employees, the foundation is one of the largest employers in Dithmarschen and anchors the Soziale Allianz business network of 31 member companies that collectively secure approximately 700 jobs for people with disabilities in the region. Governance is provided by a 12-member Stiftungsrat (chaired by Landrat Thorben Schütt), a 21-member Kuratorium, and Vorstand Detlef Brünger (appointed April 2024).

Name

Human Foundation

Legal name

Stiftung Mensch

Website

https://stiftung-mensch.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Human Foundation (Stiftung Mensch) is a German non-profit foundation operating integrated disability care, housing, education, and social enterprise services across Dithmarschen, Schleswig-Holstein, serving approximately 1,200 people with and without disabilities through 1,300+ employees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Care and Social Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Civic and Social Organizations (8134)

SIC

Household Furniture (2510), Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300), Food And Kindred Products (2000)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Development & Inclusive Employment (Job Training, Placement) (BPAGALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA), Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB), Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC)

Keywords

• Disability care services
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Social enterprise workshops
• Inclusive employment
• Handcrafted beach chairs

Headquarters

HQ city

Meldorf

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Care and Support Services: Residential care, ambulatory care, nursing services, and disability support funded through social insurance (Pflegeversicherung, Eingliederungshilfe). Revenue comes from statutory health insurance, long-term care insurance, and social welfare funds based on negotiated rates.
2. Workshop Products and Services: Sale of handcrafted products including strandkörbe, pottery, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, and organic farm products. Also industrial services like assembly, packaging, logistics, digitization, and laundry services to regional and national businesses.
3. Vocational Training Services: Professional education and training programs qualifying participants for IHK, Landwirtschaftskammer, and Handwerkskammer certifications. Funded through vocational rehabilitation funds (Ausbildungsförderung).
4. Donations and Foundations: Charitable donations from individuals and organizations, foundation grants, and legacy gifts to support non-reimbursable projects. Tax-deductible under German charitable law.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Human Foundation (Stiftung Mensch) is a German non-profit social foundation operating integrated care, housing, education, and vocational services for people with and without disabilities. It also runs social enterprise workshops across 22 trades producing handcrafted goods such as Strandkörbe, textiles, pottery, and organic farm products, alongside B2B services including industrial assembly, logistics, laundry, and digitization for regional businesses.

Product overview

Human Foundation (Stiftung Mensch) is a comprehensive social services organization based in Dithmarschen, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, providing integrated care, education, employment, and housing services for people with and without disabilities. Founded in 1964, the foundation operates as a multi-service platform offering childcare (Kita Löwenherz, Frühförderung, LautStark language training), residential services (Wohnhäuser, Trainingswohnungen, Ambulant betreutes Wohnen), nursing care (via subsidiaries Mook we gern and Pflegeservice Albersdorf, plus INTENSA intensive care), vocational rehabilitation (Arbeit - mehrWert workshops across 22 trades including metalwork, carpentry, pottery, weaving, textiles, assembly, and logistics), vocational education (MAX Bildungszentrum), and employment integration (Jobcoaching). The organization also operates social enterprises including a Bioland-certified organic farm, beach chair manufactory (Strandkorbmanufaktur) producing standard and premium sleep beach chairs (Schlafstrandkorb), and cultural heritage sites (Altes Pastorat, Landwirtschaftsmuseum). With over 1,300 employees across 5 locations and 40 properties, the foundation supports approximately 1,200 people with disabilities in work, housing, and daily life, operating under the motto of creating a world where being different is completely normal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Mook we gern gGmbH: Ambulatory nursing and care service operating since 2014, serving Brunsbüttel, Marne, Meldorf, and Heide areas with approximately 100 caregivers supporting 300 people.
• Pflegeservice Albersdorf gGmbH
• INTENSA
• MA[X] Bildungszentrum
• Kita Löwenherz
• MAX (Motivation, Ausbildungszentrum, X)
• LautStark
• Arbeit - mehrWert
• Fliekemas
• Trischen

Products and services

• Kita Löwenherz
• Heilpädagogische Frühförderung

Quantifiable outcome

• 60+ years of continuous operation serving people with disabilities
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core, minor and strategic.

• Westküsten-Allianz für NachhaltigkeitmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 July 2025Sustainability alliance launched July 15, 2025 with 20 founding institutions from economy, environment, and society, initiated by Zukunftsland Dithmarschen e.V. and FH-Westküste. Aims to strengthen sustainable thinking and action at the Westküste region.
• Dithmarscher Landesmuseum / Volkshochschulen Dithmarschen e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024Cooperation agreement signed in September 2024 between Detlef Brünger (Stiftung Mensch) and Martin Gietzelt/Alexander Eggert (VHS) to preserve and promote the Beiderwand weaving heritage. Joint vision to create 'Mnemotop' (cultural memory site) for textile heritage of Schleswig-Holstein.
• Soziale AllianzcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Business network founded by Stiftung Mensch in 2012 to promote inclusion in the workplace. Now includes 31 member companies securing approximately 700 jobs for people with disabilities in Dithmarschen. Members include regional employers, municipalities, and organizations committed to inclusive employment practices.
• Stadtwerke BrunsbüttelminorOthersProvider of 100% green electricity (Renewable Plus) to all Stiftung Mensch locations. CO2 emissions offset through climate protection projects in Peru.
• Förderzentrum Süder-DithmarschenmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for LautStark language intensiv program for elementary school children needing speech support. Combines school and after-school care for 12 children over 1-3 years.
• Bioland e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganic farming association with strict guidelines exceeding standard EU organic regulations. Stiftung Mensch operates Bioland-certified farm with Galloway cattle, laying hens, and Turopolje pigs on 75 hectares.
• Feinheimisch e.V.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork of producers, processors, restaurateurs, and supporters for high-quality regional food in Schleswig-Holstein. Stiftung Mensch's Bioland farm is the first certified 'feinheimisch' operation in Dithmarschen since 2015.
• Ministry for Energy Transition, Agriculture, Environment and Rural Areas Schleswig-HolsteinmajorOthersGovernment funding through European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (ELER) supporting organic farming practices, environmental protection, nature conservation, and species protection.
• Neue Gärtnerei eGmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing cooperative building 22 barrier-free apartments for people with disabilities in Meldorf Österstraße. Spatenstich April 14, 2025. Combines individual living with community spaces and shared gardens.
• Grüne Insel Genossenschaft St. MichaelisdonnmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative housing project with 39 barrier-free apartments for mixed-age, inclusive living. 6 apartments allocated to people with disabilities from Stiftung Mensch. Uses regenerative energy and community spaces.
• Deutsche FernsehlotteriemajorOthersGerman TV lottery funding Quartiersmanagement project in Brunsbüttel-Süd neighborhood development.
• Wohnungsunternehmen Dithmarschen e.G.majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing company co-financing Quartiersmanager Anke Struve for Wohnen+ project with 21 barrier-free apartments in Brunsbüttel.
• Stadt BrunsbüttelmajorOthersMunicipality co-financing Quartiersmanagement positions and partnering on neighborhood development initiatives including Wohnen+ and Brunsbüttel-Süd projects.
• Brooklyn Soap CompanystrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor7-year logistics partnership for fulfillment, packaging, and shipping of natural cosmetic products. Companies receive reliable outsourced logistics while supporting social mission.
• Freundeskreis Hospiz DithmarschenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for inclusive hospice work and living - collaborating on integrating hospice services with disability support.
• Westhof Bio-GemüseminorOthersOrganic vegetable farm providing vocational training placement for Stiftung Mensch employees with disabilities.
• Verein zur Förderung der Beschäftigung Jugendlicher und Behinderter e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding organization that established the Schleswig-Holsteinisches Landwirtschaftsmuseum in 1986, now operated in partnership with VHS Dithmarschen e.V.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Stiftung Liebenau: Stiftung Liebenau is a Catholic-affiliated German foundation providing integrated disability, education, and care services in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Operates sheltered workshops, residential homes, schools, and social enterprises with a similar comprehensive lifespan service approach and non-profit foundation structure.
• Graf Recke Stiftung: Large Diakonie-affiliated foundation in NRW operating disability services, sheltered workshops, residential homes, education, and social enterprises. Similar integrated service portfolio and Stiftung privaten Rechts structure serving people with disabilities across all life stages.
• Evangelische Stiftung Alsterdorf: Major Hamburg-area Protestant social foundation operating disability care, sheltered workshops, hospitals, and housing. Highly comparable Diakonie-affiliated foundation model with workshops, residential services, vocational training, and integrated social enterprises serving people with disabilities.
• Von Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel: One of Europe's largest social foundations, Bethel operates integrated disability, psychiatric, and senior care services across northern Germany. Comparable in mission (Diakonie-affiliated, comprehensive lifespan services for people with disabilities), non-profit foundation structure, and diversified workshop/social enterprise model, though at much greater scale.
• Stiftung Hephata: Diakonie-affiliated foundation in Hessen providing disability services, sheltered workshops, residential care, education, and social enterprise operations. Comparable as a regional social foundation with multi-trade workshops, vocational training, and integrated care models across all life stages.
• Lebenshilfe Werkstätten Hand in Hand: Lebenshilfe's national federation represents 130+ local chapters operating sheltered workshops (WfbM) and disability services across Germany. As a member organization with shared BAG WfbM membership, it is a direct peer in vocational rehabilitation, sheltered employment, and family services for people with disabilities.
• Lebenshilfe Schleswig-Holstein: Lebenshilfe is a major German non-profit federation providing disability services across housing, workshops, and family support. Lebenshilfe Schleswig-Holstein is the closest direct peer — operating sheltered workshops (WfbM), residential homes, early intervention, and vocational training in the same state, competing for the same funding streams and workforce.

Broad incumbents

• Caritas Behindertenhilfe: Caritas is Germany's largest Catholic welfare organization, operating disability services through regional chapters (e.g., Caritas Wohnen). Comparable in providing sheltered workshops, residential care, and inclusion services, though as part of a much broader social welfare portfolio rather than a focused disability foundation.
• AWO (Arbeiterwohlfahrt): AWO is one of Germany's six major welfare umbrella organizations, operating sheltered workshops, residential homes, and care services through regional chapters. Provides comparable disability and care services as part of a broader social welfare portfolio for workers and families.
• Diakonie Deutschland: Stiftung Mensch's umbrella organization is Diakonisches Werk. Diakonie Deutschland coordinates 31,000+ social services including disability care, hospitals, elderly care, and youth welfare across Germany. As the parent federation of comparable Diakonie-affiliated disability foundations, it sets standards and represents the sector nationally.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC6DwZk4nZHBR27m1P_KwgKQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/StiftungMensch
• Instagraminstagram.com/stiftung.mensch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/stiftung-mensch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Human Foundation