What Humanistische Vereinigung K.d.ö.R. does

Humanistische Vereinigung K.d.ö.R. (HV) is a German public law corporation (Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts, K.d.ö.R.) founded in 1848 as the Freie christliche Gemeinde in Nürnberg, one of the oldest secular humanist organizations in Germany. Renamed and restructured to its current K.d.ö.R. status in June 2019, the organization provides an integrated suite of services for non-religious individuals and families across Bavaria and northern Germany, including Kindertagesstätten and Kinderkrippen (daycare and nursery), youth services (Junge Humanist*innen, JuHu-Türme, Heilpädagogische Wohngruppe 'die 9'), secular life celebrations (Namensfeiern, Jugendfeiern, Hochzeitsfeiern, Trauerfeiern), humanist pastoral care in hospitals and military, discrimination counseling, and the Humanist Shelter Program for threatened journalists and activists. It also operates two museums (turmdersinne, DISGUSTING FOOD MUSEUM) and runs professional training courses through the Humanistische Akademie e.V. and Alibri Verlag.

The organization operates as a multi-subsidiary umbrella with Humanistisches Sozialwerk Bayern gGmbH (100% owned) handling operational childcare and social services, Humanistisches Sozialwerk Deutschland gGmbH (48% owned), and several Anstalten öffentlichen Rechts covering studies, media, and humanitarian assistance. As of year-end 2025, HV employs approximately 350 people and engages over 100 volunteers annually, supported by an honorary Präsidium (led by Präsident Sebastian Rothlauf) and a full-time Vorstand (Michael Bauer). It is not a technology company; its 'platform' is a physical and community-based service network.

HV's revenue is generated through three primary streams: (1) statutory government funding under BayKiBiG for kindergarten operations, with major contracts exceeding €1.15M each from Stadt Nürnberg and Stadt Fürth; (2) recurring membership dues from individuals; and (3) fees for ceremonies, counseling, and training programs. The organization distributes services directly through its owned facilities (Kitas, museums, youth centers), municipal enrollment portals, and public engagement channels including a Bayern 2 radio show now available as podcast. It is governed transparently as a member of the Initiative Transparente Zivilgesellschaft.

Name

Humanistische Vereinigung K.d.ö.R.

Legal name

Humanistische Vereinigung K.d.ö.R.

Website

https://humanistische-vereinigung.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1848

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Humanistische Vereinigung K.d.ö.R. is a German public law corporation founded in 1848, providing secular humanist services including kindergartens, youth programs, life ceremonies, pastoral care, museums, and shelter for at-risk activists across Bavaria and northern Germany.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanist Community Services

NAICS

Religious Organizations (813110), Other Similar Organizations (except Business, Professional, Labor, and Political Organizations) (813990), Offices of All Other Health Practitioners (62139), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Places of Worship & Religious Facilities Operations (Cemeteries, Retreat Centers, Pilgrimage Sites) (BPAGAJAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hospitals, Clinics & Charitable Healthcare Providers (BPAGACAB), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Private Wellness & Retreat Experiences (Personalized Spa, Yoga, Healing) (THAJALAI)

Keywords

• Secular humanist services
• Humanist life ceremonies
• Secular daycare services
• Humanist pastoral care
• Humanist community education

Headquarters

HQ city

Nürnberg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices5 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government-funded social services: The organization generates revenue primarily through membership fees, government funding for social services (Kindertagesstätten/KiTas), and service fees. Major funding comes from statutory operational cost support (Betriebskostenförderung) pursuant to BayKiBiG for kindergartens in Nürnberg and Fürth.
2. Membership fees: Annual membership dues from individual members.
3. Service fees: Fees for various services including counseling, humanist ceremonies (Lebensfeiern), educational programs, and training courses.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Humanistische Vereinigung K.d.ö.R. is a public law corporation (Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts) providing secular humanist community services across Germany. Core offerings include Kindertagesstätten (daycare and nursery care), youth services and coming-of-age ceremonies (Jugendfeier), secular life celebrations (Namensfeier, Hochzeitsfeier, Trauerfeiern), humanist pastoral care, two museums (turmdersinne, DISGUSTING FOOD MUSEUM), the Humanist Shelter Program for at-risk journalists and activists, professional training courses, and humanitarian counseling. Services are delivered through owned facilities, a 100% owned subsidiary (Humanistisches Sozialwerk Bayern gGmbH), and affiliated legal entities (Studienwerk, Hilfe, Medien, Stiftung weltlicher Humanismus).

Product overview

The Humanistische Vereinigung K.d.ö.R. is a public law corporation (Körperschaft des öffentlichen Rechts) founded in 1848, promoting secular humanism through social services, education, cultural institutions, and political advocacy. The organization operates as a multi-subsidiary umbrella with charitable subsidiaries including Humanistisches Sozialwerk Bayern gGmbH (100%) operating daycare centers, Humanistisches Studienwerk A.ö.R., Humanistische Hilfe A.ö.R., and Humanistische Medien A.ö.R. Core services include Kindertagesstätten (daycare/Kita facilities), youth services (Junge Humanist*innen/JuHu, Jugendfeier), secular pastoral care, museums (turmdersinne, DISGUSTING FOOD MUSEUM), the Humanist Shelter Program for threatened activists, professional training, and life celebrations (Lebensfeiern). The portfolio also includes the Humanistische Akademie e.V. for educational programming and the Stiftung weltlicher Humanismus for donations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Humanistisches Zentrum Nürnberg: The headquarters and main center of the organization in Nürnberg-Mögeldorf.
• Humanistisches Sozialwerk Bayern gGmbH
• JuHu-Türme
• Humanistisches Studienwerk A.ö.R.
• Humanistische Akademie e.V.
• Humanist Shelter Program
• Humanistisches Radiomagazin

Products and services

• Kindertagesstätten (Humanistische Kitas) Daycare centers operated by the organization in Nürnberg and Regensburg, offering kindergarten and nursery care for children with humanistic educational concepts. Includes houses in Mögeldorf, Anna Steuerwald-Landmann, Regensburg, St. Peter, Nürnberg-Thon, and the new St. Johannis location.
• Humanistische Jugendfeier Secular coming-of-age ceremony for youth, offered in Bavaria and Northern Germany (Hamburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Niedersachsen), with an 8-month preparation program including workshops on humanism, democracy, and personal development.
• Lebensfeiern (Life Celebrations) Secular ceremonies including Namensfeier (naming ceremonies), Hochzeitsfeier (weddings), and Trauerfeiern (funerals) as alternatives to religious rites of passage, available for individuals and families.
• Humanist Shelter Program Shelter program providing safety and freedom for threatened human rights activists and journalists, conducted in cooperation with the Elisabeth-Selbert-Initiative and the German Federal Foreign Office, offering six-month stays with full organizational support.
• turmdersinne Hands-on science museum operated by the organization, offering interactive exhibits on perception and human senses for visitors.
• DISGUSTING FOOD MUSEUM Museum operated by the organization exploring unusual and controversial foods from around the world for visitors.
• Humanistische Seelsorge Secular pastoral care services provided in hospitals, military, and other settings, representing an alternative to religious chaplaincy for non-religious individuals.
• Junge Humanist*innen (JuHu) Youth organization for young humanists offering recreational activities, overnight events, trips, and the JuHu-Türme youth centers for children and teenagers.
• Heilpädagogische Wohngruppe "die 9" (Jurahof) Therapeutic residential youth group located on a farm (Jurahof in Schmidtstadt), combining stationary youth welfare with social agriculture, animal care, and nature-based education for youth in the Hersbrucker Schweiz region.
• Humanistisches Radiomagazin Radio magazine broadcast on Bayern 2, now also available as podcast, featuring interviews and discussions on current topics from a humanist perspective.
• Fortbildungen (Professional Training) Professional development offerings including Humanismus Online-Kurs, Fortbildung Krippenpädagogik, Zusatzqualifikation Kita-Leitung, and conferences/lectures for social sector leaders and educators.
• Humanistische Akademie e.V. Educational and research institution of the Humanistische Vereinigung, offering professional development for social sector leaders, a certificate course in nursery pedagogy, scientific and philosophical events (lectures, courses, symposia), and a publication series through the Alibri publishing house.
• Humanistisches Sozialwerk Bayern gGmbH Charitable subsidiary (100% owned) operating three Kindertagesstätten (daycare centers) in Regensburg and Nürnberg, including the Humanistisches Haus für Kinder Nürnberg-Mögeldorf, Humanistisches Haus für Kinder Anna Steuerwald-Landmann, and Humanistisches Haus für Kinder Regensburg, as well as the turmdersinne and DISGUSTING FOOD MUSEUM.
• Humanistisches Studienwerk A.ö.R. Study institution providing support for students with a humanist worldview, including student housing (WGs).
• Humanistische Hilfe A.ö.R. Humanitarian help services operated by the organization for individuals and groups in need.
• Humanistische Medien A.ö.R. Media production and publishing entity of the organization providing humanist media content.
• Stiftung weltlicher Humanismus Foundation supporting secular humanism, providing donations and endowment opportunities for the organization's mission.

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 350 employees serving communities across multiple German states
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 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

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Humanistisches Sozialwerk Bayern gGmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner100% owned subsidiary operating kindergartens and social services. Founded 2007, it develops and provides social services based on secular humanist ethics including childcare, youth services, and senior care.
• Humanistisches Sozialwerk Deutschland gGmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner48% owned subsidiary, part of the national humanist social services network.
• Stiftung weltlicher HumanismuscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation for secular humanism, a non-independent organization under the umbrella of the HV.
• Humanistische Medien A.ö.R.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnstalt öffentlichen Rechts providing humanist media content.
• Humanistisches Studienwerk A.ö.R.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnstalt öffentlichen Rechts providing educational services and scholarships for students.
• Humanistische Hilfe A.ö.R.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnstalt öffentlichen Rechts providing social assistance and counseling services.
• Humanistische Akademie e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated education and research organization conducting conferences, lectures, and publishing work on humanist philosophy.
• Humanists InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational umbrella organization for humanist movements worldwide, through which the HV participates in global human rights advocacy.
• Elisabeth-Selbert-InitiativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in the Humanist Shelter Program for journalists at risk, providing international protection and support.
• Auswärtiges Amt (German Federal Foreign Office)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner supporting the Humanist Shelter Program for international protection of journalists and activists.
• Allianz gegen Rechtsextremismus in der Metropolregion NürnbergminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCivil society alliance against right-wing extremism in the Nuremberg metropolitan region, of which HV is an active member.
• Freireligiöse Gemeinde MannheimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated organization with new corporate membership in HV, collaborating on democratic and humanist initiatives.
• Freigeistige Gemeinschaft Berlin e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAffiliated organization collaborating on democratic history events and civil society activities.
• Freireligiöse Jugend MannheimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner for youth activities and programs, including joint holiday camps and exchanges.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• Freigeistige Gemeinschaft Berlin e.V. A Berlin-based affiliated secular humanist organization collaborating with HV on democratic history events and civil society activities. Comparable as a regional freethinker community offering similar worldview services in the Berlin region.

Broad incumbents

• Caritas Deutschland: Germany's largest Catholic social welfare organization operating kindergartens, hospitals, counseling, and elder care. Comparable as a competing religious-affiliated social services provider with similar operating model to HV's subsidiary network.
• Diakoneo: A major Protestant social services provider operating kindergartens, youth welfare, and senior care. HV recently took over a Diakoneo daycare facility ('Blumenwiese' in Nürnberg St. Johannis), illustrating direct overlap in childcare and social services.
• Diakonie Deutschland: Protestant social welfare federation and one of Germany's largest social services providers. Competes with HV in hospital pastoral care (Seelsorge) contracts and operates comparable counseling and youth welfare programs.
• AWO (Arbeiterwohlfahrt): A major German welfare organization operating kindergartens, youth services, and senior care. Competes with HV in municipal tenders for social services and operates comparable secular-mission facilities nationwide.

Others

• Humanists International: The global umbrella organization for humanist movements, of which HV is a member. Provides network access and international advocacy infrastructure relevant to HV's Humanist Shelter Program and human rights work.

Direct peers

• Internationaler Bund der Konfessionslosen und Atheisten (IBKA): German umbrella organization for non-religious and atheist associations. Comparable as a secular advocacy and worldview organization coordinating similar life celebration, counseling, and political engagement activities across Germany.
• Bund für Geistesfreiheit (bfg) Bayern: A Bavarian freethinker/humanist association offering secular worldview services. Directly competes with HV in Bavaria for members, life ceremonies, and political advocacy on separation of church and state.
• Humanistischer Verband Deutschlands (HVD): The national-level German secular humanist association. Directly comparable as a worldview organization offering life celebrations, pastoral care, and political advocacy. HV is connected via its 48% stake in Humanistisches Sozialwerk Deutschland gGmbH.

Emerging players

• Giordano Bruno Stiftung (gbs): A secular humanist think tank and foundation. Comparable through shared mission on separation of church and state, humanist education, and political advocacy, though focused on policy influence and publishing rather than service delivery.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/HV_Presse
• Facebookfacebook.com/humanistischevereinigung
• Instagraminstagram.com/humanistischevereinigung
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/humanistische-vereinigung

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Humanistische Vereinigung K.d.ö.R.