DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe e.V.

What DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe e.V. does

DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe e.V. is the regional state association of the German Red Cross for the Westfalen-Lippe region, headquartered in Münster and operating as an eingetragener Verein (registered nonprofit) under a statutory mandate defined by the DRK-Gesetz and the Geneva Conventions. Founded in 1948, the association coordinates a federated network of 37 district associations (Kreisverbände) and 255 local associations (Ortsvereine), and operates three wholly-owned subsidiaries — DRK-Blutspendedienst West GmbH (blood supply service covering NRW, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland), DRK-Institut für Bildung und Kommunikation (IBK), and DRK-Service GmbH — plus the DRK-Tagungshotel conference facility in Münster and the DRK-Logistikzentrum Westfalen logistics hub in Nottuln. Its service portfolio spans civil protection and disaster response (Katastrophenschutz, Bergwacht mountain rescue, Wasserwacht water rescue, Rettungshunde, Sanitätswachdienst medical standby), blood donation and transfusion logistics, first-aid training, social welfare (migration counseling, anti-discrimination work, family and youth services, senior care, Hausnotruf home emergency call), humanitarian tracing (Suchdienst), and youth development through Jugendrotkreuz and ~445 school first-aid groups.

The organization runs on a hybrid funding model combining ~169,000 annual supporting-member fees, NRW state government grants (€3,251,974.96 in 2024 for civil protection, migration, continuing education and social work), Zusatzlotterie "Spiel 77" lottery proceeds (€2,745,468.60 in 2024, 60% redistributed to district associations), individual donations (including a Spendenshop charitable-gifting channel), and project-specific federal/ESF+ funding (e.g., BMBF/ESF+ backing of Aqua-Mentor and BELL programs). At the state-office level, ~127 full-time employees and ~300 active state-level volunteers manage strategy, training, coordination, and specialized functions; field delivery is carried out by the federated Kreisverbände/Ortsvereine and ~30,000 region-wide volunteers. Operational technology is limited to internal/administrative tooling (drkserver for member and volunteer management, the DRK-Engagementplattform for volunteer matching, and digital self-service finders for services and offices) rather than customer-facing product technology. Recent strategic emphasis has centered on co-developed social-welfare programs (Studi-PUK nursing-support with FH Münster, Fair Mobil violence-prevention with Provinzial Versicherung), expanding children's swimming-education initiatives (Aqua-Vision, Schwimmhelden) with Deichmann-Stiftung backing, and active engagement with NRW civil-protection legislative modernization (BHKG).

Name

DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe e.V.

Legal name

Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe e.V.

Website

https://drk-westfalen.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe e.V. is the German Red Cross state association for Westfalen-Lippe, coordinating 37 district and 255 local associations to deliver civil protection, disaster response, blood donation, first-aid training, and social welfare services to the region's residents, migrants, youth, and seniors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanitarian Aid Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Emergency and Other Relief Services (62423), Emergency and Other Relief Services (624230), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Refugee, IDP & Migration Humanitarian Assistance (BPAGAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Refugee, Migration & Displacement Support (BPAGABAH), Disaster Preparedness, Risk Reduction & Early Warning (DRR) (BPAGAAAB), Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus & Resilience Programming (BPADAEAK)

Keywords

• Humanitarian aid services
• Civil protection services
• Emergency medical services
• Blood donation services
• Social welfare services

Headquarters

HQ city

Münster

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees (Fördermitgliedschaft): Annual membership fees from approximately 169,000 supporting members and approximately 31,000 actively engaged volunteers contribute to the organization's free funds.
2. Government subsidies and public funding: Zuwendungen und Fördermittel from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia for civil protection (Katastrophenschutz), migration work, continuing education, and social welfare. In 2024, NRW funding totaled €3,251,974.96. Additional public funds are received for specific projects.
3. Lottery funding (Spiel 77): The organization received €2,745,468.60 in 2024 from the Zusatzlotterie 'Spiel 77' for social work. 60% of these funds are redistributed to the 37 district associations; 40% is retained for central coordination of social work.
4. Donations and charitable contributions: Individual donations for specific purposes (e.g., Kältehilfe, Ukraine aid, Venezuela earthquake relief, Sudan humanitarian aid) collected via online forms, bank transfers, and the Spendenshop.
5. Spendenshop (Charitable gifting shop): A charitable shop where donors purchase symbolic items (e.g., warm clothing, meals) for the Kältehilfe cold-weather aid program. Proceeds go directly to humanitarian assistance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe e.V. is a regional state association of the German Red Cross providing humanitarian aid, civil protection, disaster response, emergency medical services, blood donation, social welfare, and migration support services across Westfalen-Lippe. The organization operates through 37 district associations and 255 local associations, supported by ~30,000 active volunteers and ~169,000 financial members, delivering services ranging from first aid training and mountain rescue to childcare, senior care, and refugee integration.

Product overview

DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe e.V. operates as a humanitarian aid organization with a diversified portfolio of services organized under several interconnected divisions: (1) National Aid Society operations including disaster relief, emergency medical services, mountain rescue, water rescue, and blood donation; (2) Social welfare and migration services covering children/youth/family programs, integration support, anti-discrimination counseling, and senior care; (3) Volunteer engagement through its digital engagement platform, school first aid programs, and specialized volunteer initiatives like the Aqua-Mentor program; (4) Education and training through the IBK institute and first aid courses; (5) Humanitarian logistics via its central logistics center. Key products include the DRK-Engagementplattform connecting ~30,000 volunteers, the drkserver internal management system, first aid training, blood donation services, and disaster preparedness programs. The organization also operates subsidiaries including DRK-Blutspendedienst West and DRK-Service GmbH, plus facilities like the DRK-Tagungshotel conference center.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Jugendrotkreuz (JRK): Youth Red Cross - an independent association within DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe focused on youth education and volunteerism
• Wasserwacht
• Bergwacht
• DRK-Blutspendedienst West
• DRK-Tagungshotel

Products and services

• Rettungsdienst (Emergency Medical Services) Emergency medical services and rescue operations provided through district associations, including ambulance transport and emergency response across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Katastrophenschutz (Civil Protection and Disaster Management) Civil protection and disaster management services including emergency response teams, the logistics center, rapid deployment groups, and motorcycle squadrons for civil protection across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Bergwacht (Mountain Rescue Service) Mountain rescue service operating in Sauerland and Rothaargebirge regions, providing search and rescue operations in mountainous terrain for visitors and residents.
• Wasserwacht (Water Rescue Service) Water rescue and aquatic safety service including lifeguard training, swimming instruction, and water emergency response across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Sanitätswachdienst (Medical Standby Service) Medical standby services for events, providing first aid coverage and emergency medical response at public gatherings, festivals, and sports events across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Erste-Hilfe-Ausbildung (First Aid Training) First aid training courses including basic courses, refreshers for nursing staff, courses for companies, outdoor, seniors, and sports. Certificates awarded upon completion.
• Blutspende (Blood Donation Services) Blood donation services organizing regular donation appointments in Westfalen-Lippe, with approximately 15,000 blood donations needed daily in Germany. Operated by DRK-Blutspendedienst West.
• Suchdienst (Tracing Service) Tracing service helping reunite families separated by conflict, disaster, or migration, operating under international Red Cross mandates across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Kältehilfe (Cold Weather Aid) Cold weather emergency aid for homeless people including mobile meals, warm clothing, sleeping bags, and shelter referrals during winter months across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Kleiderläden und Kleiderkammern (Clothing Stores and Warehouses) Clothing stores and warehouses providing affordable or free clothing to people in need, supported by clothing container donations across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Migrationsberatung (Migration Counseling) Migration counseling including integration support, anti-discrimination work, advisory services for refugees, and integration agencies across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Kindertageseinrichtungen (Kindergarten and Family Centers) Kindergarten and family center services including childcare, early education, inclusion support, and child protection programs across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Hausnotruf (Home Emergency Call System) Home emergency call system providing 24/7 monitoring and rapid response for elderly and vulnerable individuals living independently across North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Fair Mobil (Mobile Violence Prevention Program) Mobile violence prevention program touring schools since 2001, part of 'Stark im MiteinanderN' initiative promoting constructive conflict resolution among youth in Westfalen-Lippe.
• Aqua-Mentorinnen und -Mentoren (Senior Volunteer Swimming Mentors) Volunteer program recruiting people aged 60+ to support children's swimming education, combining training with intergenerational mentoring across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Jugendrotkreuz (Youth Red Cross) Youth Red Cross - independent youth organization with approximately 445 school first aid groups (Schulsanitätsdienste), offering competitions, training, and youth leadership development across Westfalen-Lippe.
• DRK-Engagementplattform (Volunteer Engagement Platform) Digital volunteer marketplace connecting approximately 30,000 volunteers with humanitarian service opportunities across Westfalen-Lippe, featuring concrete tasks and projects requiring new volunteers.
• DRK-Tagungshotel (Conference Hotel) Conference hotel in Münster offering event spaces and accommodation for DRK meetings and external bookings.
• DRK-Institut für Bildung und Kommunikation (IBK) Educational institute in Münster providing training, professional development, and communication services for DRK and external clients.
• DRK-Logistikzentrum Westfalen (Logistics Center) Central logistics hub in Nottuln managing disaster relief equipment, supplies, and rapid deployment resources for the Westfalen-Lippe region.
• DRK-Blutspendedienst West (Blood Supply Service) Blood supply service covering North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland, ensuring reliable blood product delivery to hospitals with about 1,200 employees and thousands of volunteers.
• Wohlfahrts- und Sozialarbeit (Social Welfare Services) Social welfare services focused on three main areas: children/youth/family, migration, and seniors, including nursing care, home emergency call, and community support across Westfalen-Lippe.
• Aqua-Vision Schwimmprogramm (Children's Swimming Education Program) Swimming education program for children, supported by Deichmann Foundation, promoting water safety and swimming competency across Westfalen-Lippe.
• BFD / Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (Volunteer Service Programs) Federal Volunteer Service (Bundesfreiwilligendienst) and Voluntary Social Year programs offering structured volunteer placements for young people across Westfalen-Lippe.

Quantifiable outcome

• 840 DRK personnel provided 10,860 service hours and 496 medical interventions during carnival 2026
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Bezirksregierung MünstercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026Co-organizer of the regional civil protection action day 'Gemeinsam vorbereitet – Bevölkerungsschutz in Westfalen' on 2 July 2026 in Münster. The Bezirksregierung is a key government partner for civil protection coordination.
• Westfalen e. V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 July 2026Co-organizer with Bezirksregierung Münster and DRK-LV WL of the civil protection action day. Westfalen e.V. is a regional association representing Westphalian interests.
• Deichmann-StiftungminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Deichmann-Stiftung supports the DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe's swimming promotion program (Schwimmhelden/Aqua-Vision) aimed at helping children develop swimming competence.
• Fachhochschule Münster (FH Münster)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFH Münster and DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe co-developed the 'Studi-PUK' (Studentische Pflegeunterstützungskräfte) project, which won the BMI Förderpreis 'Helfende Hand' 2025. The partnership also includes the Kompetenzzentrum Humanitäre Hilfe at FH Münster for joint events and research.
• Westfälische Provinzial Versicherung AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvinzial Versicherung is a long-standing co-development partner of the 'Stark im MiteinanderN' violence prevention program, including the Fair Mobil initiative. The insurer financially supported the development of new stations for the Fair Mobil program targeting schools in Westfalen-Lippe.
• arbeitskreis soziale bildung und beratung e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the co-development of the 'Stark im MiteinanderN' violence prevention program and Fair Mobil, contributing expertise in social education and counseling.
• Schulpsychologische Beratungsstelle der Stadt MünsterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 'Stark im MiteinanderN' violence prevention program, providing school psychological counseling expertise for the Fair Mobil program.
• Technisches Hilfswerk (THW)minorOthersCo-participant in civil protection action day events, part of the 'Blaulicht-Familie' (blue light family) of emergency services.
• Malteser, Johanniter, Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB)minorOthersOther humanitarian organizations co-participating in civil protection events alongside DRK.
• DRK-Kreisverband DortmundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative partner in a major training consortium for emergency service (Rettungsdienst) education. Together with DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe and DRK-Kreisverbände Lünen and Unna, bundles competencies for a future-oriented training program for Notfallsanitäter and rescue personnel, commissioned by Kreis Unna.
• DRK-Kreisverband LünencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the training consortium for emergency service education, bringing rettungsdienstliche (rescue service) operational expertise and practice experience.
• DRK-Kreisverband UnnacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommissioning party for the rettungsdienstliche (rescue service) continuing education program; brings operational expertise and practice experience as part of the training consortium.
• Kompetenzzentrum Humanitäre Hilfe der FH MünsterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer with DRK-LV WL of the benefit concert for Sudan humanitarian aid in the Überwasserkirche Münster. Jointly run by Prof. Dr. Joachim Gardemann, former head of the center.
• Medizinische Fakultät der Universität MünsterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizer of the benefit concert for Sudan aid, contributing academic medical expertise.
• Unfallkasse Nordrhein-WestfalenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupports the annual Schulsanitätsdienst competition as a prevention measure, funding and endorsing the event.
• Ukrainian Red Cross (URK / Ukrainisches Rotes Kreuz)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing sister society partnership. Since the escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the partnership has been significantly expanded to include winter aid programs, emergency response teams, mobile health stations, home care, and psychosocial support. DRK provides comprehensive support to URK.
• DRK-Generalsekretariat Berlin (Bundesverband)coreOthersThe national umbrella organization of the German Red Cross, located at Carstennstr. 58, 12205 Berlin. The state association operates under the framework of the national DRK, which is itself a member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and works with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
• DRK-Blutspendedienst West GmbHcoreOthersA subsidiary and affiliated company of the state association. The blood service covers North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland, conducting thousands of blood donation appointments annually. About 1,200 employees and thousands of volunteers operate the service.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V. Comparable national welfare organization providing civil protection, rescue services, social welfare, youth work, and humanitarian aid under a parallel statutory mandate. Competes directly with DRK for NRW funding, volunteer recruitment, and event Sanitätswachdienst contracts.
• Malteser Hilfsdienst e.V. One of Germany's recognized welfare and civil protection organizations with parallel mandate in disaster relief, Sanitätswachdienst, migration services, and youth programs. Co-participates with DRK in NRW civil protection events and competes for the same pool of lottery proceeds, state subsidies, and volunteers.
• Diakonie Westfalen (Diakonisches Werk): Regional Protestant welfare organization covering the same Westfalen-Lippe territory with parallel social services in migration counseling, family support, senior care, and youth work. Direct competitor in the Spitzenverbände Freie Wohlfahrtspflege NRW framework.
• Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland e.V. Another federally recognized civil protection and welfare organization with overlapping offerings in Rettungsdienst, Katastrophenschutz, social services, and senior care. Direct peer in the same German 'Blaulicht-Familie' and competitor for the same funding pools and volunteers.
• Caritasverband für die Diözese Münster e.V. Regional Catholic welfare association operating across the same Westfalen-Lippe geography with parallel social services (migration, family, senior care). Direct competitor for NRW Wohlfahrtspflege funding, lottery allocations, and Fördermitglied donations.
• DRK-Landesverband Nordrhein e.V. Sister Landesverband of the German Red Cross serving the adjacent Nordrhein region within NRW. Operates the same statutory mandate, service portfolio (civil protection, social welfare, migration, blood donation), and competes for adjacent NRW state funding allocations.

Others

• Ukrainian Red Cross Society: Sister society under the IFRC network and long-standing partner of DRK Westfalen-Lippe for humanitarian aid delivery. Peer in the sense of sharing the same Red Cross mandate and operational model for humanitarian assistance, though operating in a different geography and crisis context.
• DRK-Blutspendedienst West GmbH: Wholly-owned subsidiary of DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe, but commercially operates the blood supply service across NRW, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. Included as a peer to reflect its parallel role alongside other regional DRK blood services and private blood product suppliers.

Broad incumbents

• Technisches Hilfswerk (THW): Federal civil protection agency under the BMI, co-participant in civil protection events with DRK in Westfalen-Lippe. Overlaps heavily in Katastrophenschutz and disaster response, representing the principal governmental counterpart to DRK's civil protection activities.
• Deutsches Rotes Kreuz - Generalsekretariat (Bundesverband): The national umbrella of the German Red Cross. Directly comparable as the parent organization of DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe, coordinating the 19 Landesverbände and operating at federal level with overlapping mandate scope in humanitarian aid, civil protection, blood supply, and welfare services.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCHXQo4bw6P9peKeSDb7dvJg
• Facebookfacebook.com/DRK-Landesverband-Westfalen-Lippe-eV-103652839729821
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/drkwl
• Instagraminstagram.com/drkwestfalenlippe/?hl=de
• TikToktiktok.com/@drkwestfalen

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about DRK-Landesverband Westfalen-Lippe e.V.