Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell

What Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell does

Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell is a registered non-profit association (eingetragener Verein) founded in the 1950s that operates a political youth education academy and international youth exchange center from a 12th-century castle complex at Burg Liebenzell 1, Bad Liebenzell, in the Northern Black Forest of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The organization delivers multi-day political education seminars on topics including European integration, human rights, democracy, youth participation, and international affairs, applying experiential, workshop-based, and role-play methods. It also hosts the Baden-Württemberg Standort of the Academy for Children's and Youth Parliaments, runs SMV seminars for student representative bodies, international Drittortbegegnungen with France, and the Jugendforum Informatik computer-science camp.

The organization is staffed by 9 employees covering academy leadership (Academy Director Markus Schädle, Educational Officer Jovanna Schneider), conference office, accounting, housekeeping, building services, and kitchen, supported by an elected volunteer board chaired by Prof. h.c. Manfred Hübscher. Technology is limited to standard web and back-office tools (Sendinblue for newsletter, Microsoft Forms for registration, Google Maps and Google Fonts, audiovisual equipment for video production and online formats); there is no proprietary platform or AI component.

The revenue model combines heavily subsidized seminar fees (€5 to €200 per participant), accommodation and full catering at the castle venue, customized seminars (Wunschseminare) for partner associations, and substantial public funding from federal bodies (BMFSFJ, Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung) and the Baden-Württemberg state Ministry of Education, along with the Verbund der Jugendbildungsakademien BW. Customers include municipal youth councils across Baden-Württemberg, schools' SMV bodies, non-profit associations (Bundeswehr, Tübinger Akademie für Weiterbildung), and individual youth participants. The organization is ZBQ certified and recognized as an anerkannter Bildungsträger by the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung.

Name

Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell

Legal name

Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell, Gesellschaft zur Förderung überkonfessioneller, überparteilicher, u. übernationaler Zusammenarbeit e.V.

Website

https://internationalesforum.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell is a German non-profit association operating a political youth education academy and international exchange center from a historic castle in Bad Liebenzell, Baden-Württemberg, delivering subsidized seminars, youth parliament training, and EU exchange programs funded by federal and state ministries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Political Education and Youth Engagement Services

NAICS

All Other Schools and Instruction (61169), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Leadership, Oratory & Civic Speaking Programs (EDAMAOAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Civic Education & Community Engagement (Voting, Local Government) (EDAAAFAC), Leadership, Debate & Model UN Camps (EDAMALAK), Research & Science Fair Competitions (Science Fairs, Research Symposiums) (EDAMAGAL)

Keywords

• Political youth education
• International youth exchange
• Civic education seminars
• Youth parliament support
• Educational conference venue

Headquarters

HQ city

Bad Liebenzell

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Seminar fees: Revenue from participant fees for seminars ranging from €5 to €200 per person depending on the program. Seminar fees cover educational content and vary by target audience and topic.
2. Accommodation and catering: Revenue from providing accommodation in historic castle buildings (simple rooms in Ritterhaus and Knappenhaus, modern rooms in main house and Europa-Haus) and full catering services including breakfast, lunch, afternoon coffee, and dinner. Dietary options available including vegetarian, vegan, and pork-free meals.
3. Public funding and grants: Funding received from government bodies including the Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BMFSFJ), Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung, Ministerium für Kultus, Jugend und Sport Baden-Württemberg, and the Verbund der Jugendbildungsakademien Baden-Württemberg.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The organization operates a historic castle-based academy delivering multi-day political education seminars, international youth exchange programs, and youth parliament training to young people and partner organizations. Core offerings include tailored civic and political education seminars, the Academy for Children's and Youth Parliaments Baden-Württemberg, specialized programs such as SMV seminars, the Jugendforum Informatik, and Project:mitWIRkung, complemented by on-site venue rental with accommodation and full catering.

Product overview

Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell is an educational institution offering a unified portfolio of political education services centered around its historic castle venue. The core offerings include multi-day seminars on current political topics, international youth exchange programs, and the Academy for Children's and Youth Parliaments for Baden-Württemberg. Supplementary services include seminar venue facilities with accommodation and dining, and customized seminar development for partner organizations. The organization also runs specialized programs like SMV seminars for student representatives, the Youth Forum Computer Science, and the Project:mitWIRkung project weeks.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Akademie für Kinder- und Jugendparlamente Baden-Württemberg: A statewide academy network for children's and youth parliaments in Baden-Württemberg, operated by the organization as a location site.

Products and services

• Political Education Seminars Multi-day seminars addressing current political topics including European affairs, human rights education, international politics, and youth participation in democracy. Methods include workshops, role-playing games, and interactive formats, targeted at young people and partner organizations.
• International Youth Exchange Programs International youth encounters promoting intercultural exchange and European integration. Programs include third-country exchanges for youth from Germany and France, Model UN simulations, and joint media, art, or theater projects.
• Academy for Children's and Youth Parliaments Baden-Württemberg Network of locations supporting the establishment, operation, and continuity of children's and youth parliaments. Provides seminars, barcamps, and training for youth council members to strengthen democratic participation, hosted by Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell as a statewide location site funded by BMFSFJ.
• SMV Seminars (Student Representative Bodies) Seminars for student representative bodies (Schüler*innenvertretungen) focusing on participation opportunities, democratic structures in SMV work, and project development. Priced at €30 per participant, offered to student representatives across Germany.
• Youth Forum Computer Science (Jugendforum Informatik) Intensive four-day camp for youth who have successfully completed the first round of the Federal Youth Computer Science Competition, preparing them for further competition rounds through workshops, lectures, and project work.
• Seminar Venue and Accommodation Services Conference facilities and overnight accommodation at Burg Liebenzell, including seminar rooms for up to 50 people, modern double rooms with facilities, and full dining services. Historic buildings offer simple rooms at lower cost; vegetarian, vegan, and pork-free meal options are available.
• Project:mitWIRkung Special project week for engaged youth from Baden-Württemberg aged 14-21, focused on developing skills in project planning and expanding networks. Youth develop and implement projects based on their passions.
• Youth Participation Professional (Jugendbeteiligungsprofi) Intensive seminar series conducted in cooperation with the Association of Youth Councils Baden-Württemberg, focusing on developing political profiles, project competencies, and exchange with young local politicians.
• Customized Seminars (Wunschseminare) Tailored seminar development for specific educational needs in partnership cooperation. The organization advises associations and organizations on content realization and financing options for bespoke political education programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Supported 63 engaged youth in 2021 alone across multiple seminars
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting and core.

• RAA Berlin (Regionalstelle für Bildung, Integration und Demokratie e.V.)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Partnership for QUARARO (Democracy learning game) facilitator training. QUARARO enables groups to learn democratic decision-making through practical examples. Certified trainer from RAA Berlin conducted the multiplier training at Burg Liebenzell.
• Landesnetzwerk Politische Bildung Baden-Württemberg (LPBW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization providing networking and resources for political education providers in Baden-Württemberg. Listed as a key partner on the organization's website.
• Vereinigung der Jugendbildungsstätten Baden-Württemberg (VJBW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of youth education centers in Baden-Württemberg. Listed as a partner organization on the website.
• Qualifiziert Engagiert BWsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram supporting qualified engagement in Baden-Württemberg. Listed as a partner organization.
• Adolf Grimberger Stiftung (AdB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRuns the Academy for Children's and Youth Parliaments in Trägerschaft (under the auspices) of the Adolf Grimberger Stiftung / Arbeitskreis deutscher Bildungsstätten e.V. (AdB). Major strategic partner for youth participation programs.
• Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (bpb)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal Agency for Civic Education provides funding and recognition as anerkannter Bildungsträger. Supports seminars like 'Macht verstehen, Stimme stärken' and other political education programs.
• Arbeitskreis deutscher Bildungsstätten e.V. (AdB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUmbrella organization for German educational centers. Runs the Academy for Children's and Youth Parliaments (KIJUPA) with locations including Burg Liebenzell. Major strategic partner for youth education.
• Dachverband der Jugendgemeinderäte Baden-Württemberg e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUmbrella organization for youth local councils in Baden-Württemberg. Regular cooperation for joint events, including Jugendbeteiligungsprofi seminars, regional meetings, and Barcamps. Cooperates on seminars and program development.
• Servicestelle Kinder- und Jugendbeteiligung Baden-WürttembergcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerService agency for child and youth participation in Baden-Württemberg. Joint organizer of events including 'Segeln bei Gegenwind' professional conference and 'Jugendbeteiligung Connected' barcamps.
• Landesschülerbeirat Baden-WürttembergsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerState student advisory council for Baden-Württemberg. Cooperated on landesweites Seminar 'Zukunft wird mit uns gemacht' and other programs. Preparation and implementation of seminars in close cooperation.
• Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (BMFSFJ)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal Ministry provides funding through Kinder- und Jugendplan des Bundes (KJP) for Academy for Children's and Youth Parliaments programs and other youth education initiatives.
• Ministerium für Kultus, Jugend und Sport Baden-WürttembergcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState Ministry provides support as part of Verbund der Jugendbildungsakademien Baden-Württemberg. Listed as funding body on website.
• Sendinblue GmbHsupportingTechnology or IntegrationNewsletter service provider headquartered in Berlin. Used for organizing and analyzing newsletter campaigns including subscriber segmentation and campaign analytics.
• VHS Baden-WürttembergsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolkshochschule (Adult Education Center) Baden-Württemberg. Co-funder of 'Lange Nacht der Demokratie' event as part of landesweite Aktion (statewide action).
• Baden-Württemberg StiftungsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoundation providing funding for 'Lange Nacht der Demokratie' event as part of the statewide action.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Jugendbildungsstätte Burg Ludwigstein: Historic-castle-based residential youth education center in Hessen offering political education seminars, international youth encounters, and democracy programs. Highly comparable venue model, target audience, and educational mission.
• Haus am Maiberg – Akademie für politische und kulturelle Bildung Hessen: State-recognized political and cultural education academy in Hessen offering residential seminars on democracy, civic participation, and intercultural learning. Comparable nonprofit structure, public funding model, and educational programming.
• Akademie für politische Bildung Tutzing: One of Germany's most established political education academies, funded under the same Bayerische Staatsregierung and Bundeszentrale frameworks, running residential seminars on politics, democracy, and society at a historic lakeside venue. Closely comparable mission and constituency of adult and youth civic learners.
• Bildungsstätte Helmstedt: Lower-Saxony residential political education center delivering seminars on democracy, history, and social participation for youth and adults. Comparable mission and operating structure under the German political-education funding framework.
• Europäische Jugendbildungsstätte Weimar: German nonprofit education center focused on European and international youth encounters, political education, and democratic participation programs. Directly comparable mission and operating model to Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell as a residential political youth education venue.

Others

• Dachverband der Jugendgemeinderäte Baden-Württemberg: State umbrella of municipal youth councils in Baden-Württemberg and a close cooperation partner of the Forum. Adjacent rather than competitive — useful benchmark for understanding the customer base the Forum serves.

Broad incumbents

• Heimvolkshochschule (umbrella: Deutscher Volkshochschul-Verband): National umbrella of German adult/continuing education centers, many of which offer residential civic and political education programming comparable in mission to the Forum.
• Landeszentrale für politische Bildung Baden-Württemberg: State agency that funds and coordinates political education in Baden-Württemberg, including subsidies that flow to the Forum. Functions as a funder/regulator rather than direct operator but operates adjacent civic-education programming of its own.
• Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Eine-Welt-Landesnetzwerke: Umbrella network of state-level global-development education networks in Germany. Comparable as a broader umbrella coordinating public-funded civic/development education — relevant as an ecosystem player rather than direct venue competitor.

Emerging players

• RAA Berlin (Regionale Arbeitsstellen für Bildung, Integration und Demokratie): Berlin-based association delivering democracy, integration, and political education programs. An active partner of the Forum on QUARARO facilitator training, making it a peer operating in the same civic-education methodology space.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/internationales_forum
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/internationales-forum-burg-liebenzell

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 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 Internationales Forum Burg Liebenzell