What Deutsche Kleiderstiftung does

Deutsche Kleiderstiftung is a German non-profit charitable organization founded in 1957 as Spangenberg Sozialwerk e.V. and reorganized under its current foundation structure in 2012. Headquartered in Helmstedt, Lower Saxony, it collects, sorts, and distributes used and new clothing, shoes, household linen, and accessories for humanitarian aid. The organization operates a central sorting warehouse in Helmstedt where donations are manually inspected, classified by season/gender/size/quality, and packed into approximately 50 kg bales for domestic and international distribution. It runs 8 charity shops across Germany under the Zweimalschön and zweimalgut sub-brands, generating revenue to fund humanitarian projects, and maintains a research and education facility (CharityLab) in Berlin Adlershof for circular economy initiatives.

The business model is donation-driven and multi-channel. Revenue streams include in-kind clothing donations from private donors and corporate partners (notably Inditex brands including Zara, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, PULL&BEAR, and Stradivarius), monetary donations processed via FundraisingBox and PayPal, and retail sales from the charity shop network. Donors can ship parcels via subsidized DHL and GLS labels (€3.90 partial or €5.90 full cost coverage) or drop clothing at FairWertung-partnered collection points and charity shops. The organization serves multiple beneficiary segments: low-income individuals and families in Germany, refugees and displaced persons (especially Ukrainian war refugees, with 800+ served in Helmstedt district alone), and international aid projects in approximately 14 countries including Albania, Belarus, Brazil, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Syria/Turkey, Togo, and Ukraine. Operational scale reached 300,000+ items distributed annually in 2024-2025, with 60+ full-time employees and 120 volunteers, supported by FairWertung e.V. compliance and Entsorgungsfachbetrieb (certified waste management) credentials.

Name

Deutsche Kleiderstiftung

Legal name

Deutsche Kleiderstiftung

Website

https://kleiderstiftung.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1957

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Deutsche Kleiderstiftung is a German non-profit founded in 1957 that collects, sorts, and distributes used and new clothing for humanitarian aid in Germany and 14 countries. It operates 8 charity shops under Zweimalschön and zweimalgut sub-brands, a sorting warehouse in Helmstedt, and a research hub (CharityLab Berlin).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Humanitarian Textile Aid

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

SIC

Services-Help Supply Services (7363), Wholesale-Miscellaneous Nondurable Goods (5190)

akta.pro primary industry

Donation, Resale & Disposal Coordination (HSAFAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Donation Pickup & Reuse Hauling (HSAKALAI), Eco-Friendly Disposal, Recycling & Donation Hauling (HSAIAOAJ), Humanitarian & Disaster Assistance (Bilateral) (BPADABAB)

Keywords

• Used clothing collection
• Humanitarian textile aid
• Second-hand charity retail
• Parcel donation logistics
• Corporate textile take-back

Headquarters

HQ city

Helmstedt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices13 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Clothing and textile donations: The organization collects donated clothing, shoes, household linen, and accessories from private donors and companies (including new unsold goods from fashion brands). Donations are sorted, distributed as humanitarian aid, or sold through charity shops to fund project operations. Items not allocated to aid projects may be sold to vetted second-hand clothing recyclers in compliance with FairWertung e.V. ethical standards.
2. Charity shop retail sales: Eight Zweimalschön and zweimalgut charity shops across Germany sell second-hand clothing, shoes, and accessories to consumers at low prices. Proceeds fund the collection, sorting, and preparation of relief supplies for humanitarian projects.
3. Monetary donations: Private and institutional donors contribute financial resources to support aid projects, transport costs, and operational activities. The organization is exempt from corporate tax and trade tax as a charitable entity, making donations tax-deductible.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Deutsche Kleiderstiftung collects, sorts and distributes donated used and new clothing, shoes, household linen and accessories as humanitarian aid in Germany and internationally. Donations are received via parcel shipping (DHL/GLS), drop-off containers and corporate new-goods take-back programs, hand-sorted and quality-classified at the Helmstedt warehouse, then shipped to partner organizations in around 14 countries or sold through eight German charity shops (Zweimalschön, zweimalgut, rack 'n white) to fund project operations.

Product overview

Deutsche Kleiderstiftung operates as a non-profit clothing donation organization with a multi-channel offering centered on collecting, sorting, and distributing used textiles for humanitarian aid. The core product portfolio includes Kleiderspenden (clothing donations) via parcel shipping (Paketspende) through DHL and GLS, drop-off containers (Abgabestellen), and direct monetary donations (Geld Spenden). Retail operations are conducted through charity shop sub-brands Zweimalschön, zweimalgut, and rack 'n white, which sell second-hand goods to fund projects. The CharityLab in Berlin Adlershof serves as an educational and research space for sustainability initiatives. Additional offerings include corporate new goods donation programs (Neuware Spenden), special collection campaigns (Sondersammlungen), and international aid projects across 14 countries. The organization is legally structured under Spangenberg-Sozial-Werk e.V. and Spangenberg Textilien GmbH.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Kleiderspenden (Clothing Donation Collection) Core service for individuals to donate used and new clothing, shoes, household linen, and accessories for humanitarian aid in Germany and internationally. Items are received, opened, hand-sorted and quality-classified at the Helmstedt warehouse before being shipped to partner organizations or sold in charity shops. Severely soiled or damaged textiles are not accepted.
• Paketspende (Parcel Donation Service) Door-to-door parcel donation service allowing individual donors to ship clothing packages to the Helmstedt warehouse via prepaid DHL or GLS shipping labels. Two pricing options: 3.90 € partial cost coverage and 5.90 € full cost coverage. Packages accepted up to 31.5 kg (DHL) or 40 kg (GLS) with maximum dimensions 60 × 60 × 120 cm.
• Geld Spenden (Monetary Donations) Monetary donation program accepting one-time gifts, recurring donations and earmarked project funding (e.g., school meals, hostel construction). Processed via FundraisingBox and PayPal. Donations are tax-deductible under gemeinnützig status.
• Zweimalschön Charity Shops Second-hand charity retail stores selling donated clothing, shoes and accessories at low prices. Operates shops in Berlin (Danziger Straße), Goslar, Helmstedt, Braunschweig (Ölschlägern), Halle/Saale, Hildesheim, Magdeburg and Peine. Proceeds fund humanitarian projects. Shops also serve as drop-off points.
• zweimalgut Charity Shops Second-hand charity retail stores with locations in Berlin (Kantstraße) and Braunschweig (Casparistraße), selling quality used textiles to fund Deutsche Kleiderstiftung aid projects.
• Neuware Spenden (New-Goods / Corporate Donation Program) Corporate donation program for fashion brands and retailers wishing to ethically redirect unsold new goods, returns, and overstock. Includes tailored in-store collection solutions and take-back systems. Used by Inditex brands (Zara, Zara Home, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, PULL&BEAR, Stradivarius), Seidensticker, Street One, Cecil and others.
• Abgabestellen (Drop-off Points Network) Clothing donation containers and designated drop-off locations throughout Germany operated through the FairWertung e.V. member network and at all charity shop locations. Enables free-of-charge drop-off of used clothing for donors.
• Sondersammlungen (Special Collection Campaigns) Customized clothing and shoe collection campaigns for companies, confirmation groups, school classes, scouts, and youth organizations. Provides tailored collection logistics for specific events or projects.
• Hilfsprojekte (International Aid Projects) Humanitarian aid distribution program active in approximately 14 countries: Albania, Belarus, Brazil, Germany, Greece, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Syria/Turkey, Togo, and Ukraine. Includes clothing shipments to partner NGOs, financial support for social enterprises (e.g., Vizion OJF, Nash Golos, YMCA Togo), and disaster-relief operations.
• CharityLab Berlin Research, education and partnership hub located in Berlin-Adlershof that provides educational institutions and companies with donated textiles for sustainability projects, upcycling initiatives and thematic events on the circular economy.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 300,000 clothing items distributed per year (2024–2025)
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 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

Integration9 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FairWertung e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1994Umbrella organization of non-profit organizations that collect used textiles in Germany. Deutsche Kleiderstiftung is a member. Since 1994, FairWertung has worked to strengthen charitable clothing collections, transparency in the used clothing market, and responsible handling of donated textiles. Members develop common standards for high-quality collection and initial handling of clothing donations. FairWertung certification ensures transparency, social standards, proper sorting, and ethical marketing.
• Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie e.V.coreOthersMembership organization promoting community welfare economics and ethical business practices. Supports the organization's commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
• German Fundraising Association (DFRV)minorOthersNational fundraising association representing professional standards in charitable fundraising in Germany.
• Oxfam Shop gGmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCharity shop network. Cooperative relationship for the shared goal of ethical clothing collection and redistribution.
• Diakonie (Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiakonie is a major Protestant church social welfare organization active throughout Germany and internationally. Deutsche Kleiderstiftung supports Diakonie clothing rooms and projects across multiple countries. Spangenberg-Sozial-Werk e.V. is a member of Diakonie in Niedersachsen.
• DRK Kreisverband Braunschweig-Salzgitter e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Red Cross local chapter. Cooperates with the Kleiderstiftung for humanitarian relief operations in the Braunschweig-Salzgitter region.
• DRK Kreisverband Gifhorn e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman Red Cross local chapter. Cooperates with the Kleiderstiftung for humanitarian relief in the Gifhorn region.
• Caritas Diecezji GliwickiejcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPolish Caritas organization based in Gliwice, Silesia. Primary partner for delivering clothing donations to Ukrainian war refugees. Coordinates distribution via five 'Gutes Herz' (Good Heart) stations in western Ukraine. Received 15,000–25,000 kg of Deutsche Kleiderstiftung aid shipments.
• Gustav Adolf Werk e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProtestant church aid organization. Partner in earthquake relief operations for Turkey and Syria (2023) and long-term support for Protestant churches in Syria.
• Franziskanerkloster Berlin-PankowminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFranciscan monastery in Berlin-Pankow. Cooperates with the Kleiderstiftung on clothing collection and distribution to those in need.
• Vizion OJF (Albania)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlbanian NGO working with needy families, youth, and women in disadvantaged rural areas. Since 2011, the Kleiderstiftung has supported Vizion OJF with clothing donations to strengthen small social enterprises and support education and socio-economic empowerment across Albania.
• Aktion Hoffnung – Hilfe für die MissionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCatholic mission aid organization that cooperates with the Kleiderstiftung on clothing collection for humanitarian purposes.
• Inditex (Zara, Zara Home, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, PULL&BEAR, Stradivarius)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor fast-fashion retailer group. Multiple Inditex brands (Zara, Zara Home, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, PULL&BEAR, Stradivarius) partner with the Kleiderstiftung to donate unsold goods and returns for humanitarian use, rather than destruction.
• SeidenstickerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman fashion brand that partners with the Kleiderstiftung to donate surplus textile inventory for humanitarian purposes.
• Street OneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman fashion brand. Cooperates with the Kleiderstiftung for clothing donation programs.
• CecilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman fashion brand. Cooperates with the Kleiderstiftung for clothing donation programs.
• Buddy & SellyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatform or brand that cooperates with the Kleiderstiftung on clothing donation initiatives.
• KleidereiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFashion lending/rental platform. Cooperates with the Kleiderstiftung for clothing donation programs.
• MädchenflohmarktminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGerman fashion second-hand marketplace. Cooperates with the Kleiderstiftung for clothing donation programs.
• Federal Association of German Foundations (Bundesverband Deutscher Stiftungen)minorOthersGerman foundation umbrella organization. Deutsche Kleiderstiftung is a member, connecting with the broader German foundation sector.
• YMCA TogocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYoung Men's Christian Association in Sokode, Togo. Deutsche Kleiderstiftung provides financial support since 2024 for a project where women establish small businesses processing soy products. The Kleiderstiftung helps finance and expand these activities.
• Nash Golos (Kyrgyzstan)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit association in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, meaning 'Our Voice.' Cares for adolescent orphans. Deutsche Kleiderstiftung financed a hostel for 10 young people and provides ongoing textile relief goods to support the project's social enterprises and second-hand stores.
• INPAR (Brazil)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitution of the Presbyterian Church in Brazil, operating social programs for disadvantaged children in the Cidade de Deus favela. Deutsche Kleiderstiftung sponsored 11 children's football team jerseys for the 2014 World Cup and provides ongoing clothing support.
• MOOT (upcycling initiative)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUpholstery/upcycling initiative that creates new products from textile donations. Deutsche Kleiderstiftung supports MOOT and sells MOOT products in its charity shops, promoting circular economy and reducing waste.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK): Germany's largest humanitarian organization, running clothing collections and aid distribution. Deutsche Kleiderstiftung already cooperates with local DRK chapters (Braunschweig-Salzgitter, Gifhorn), making it a comparable incumbent in humanitarian textiles.
• Diakonie Deutschland: Protestant social welfare organization running clothing rooms and refugee support; Spangenberg-Sozial-Werk e.V. is a Diakonie member in Niedersachsen, making Diakonie a direct counterpart in church-affiliated clothing aid.
• Caritas Deutschland: Major Catholic welfare organization operating clothing rooms and refugee aid; analogous in providing donated clothing to vulnerable populations in Germany and abroad. Deutsche Kleiderstiftung partners with Caritas Diecezji Gliwickiej in Poland.
• Stiftung Bethel: Large German Protestant foundation providing social services and operating second-hand retail; comparable as a foundation-based social services organization, though focused on disability care rather than clothing.

Direct peers

• Heilsarmee (Salvation Army) Deutschland: Operates charity shops selling second-hand clothing and runs social programs across Germany; comparable as a faith-based organization combining clothing collection, retail and social outreach.
• Oxfam Deutschland: Operates Oxfam Shops selling second-hand clothing in Germany and runs humanitarian aid programs; directly comparable as a clothing charity combining retail and international aid. Listed as a channel partner of Deutsche Kleiderstiftung.
• Aktion Hoffnung: Catholic mission aid organization that operates clothing collection containers in partnership with Deutsche Kleiderstiftung; comparable in the donation-collection and humanitarian-distribution niche.
• Humana People to People Deutschland: Operates a chain of second-hand clothing stores in Germany whose proceeds fund development projects in southern Africa; directly comparable as a hybrid retail-and-international-aid clothing charity.

Regional players

• VinziWerke: Austrian social enterprise running second-hand shops that fund support for people in need; comparable business model (retail-driven charity), though operating primarily in Austria rather than Germany.
• Brocki Brockenhaus (Stiftung Brocki): Swiss-based second-hand charity retail chain; comparable in operating thrift stores that fund social programs, though primarily active in Switzerland rather than Germany.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/kleiderstiftung
• Instagraminstagram.com/kleiderstiftung
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/deutsche-kleiderstiftung

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Deutsche Kleiderstiftung