Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V

What Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V does

Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V. is a registered charitable nonprofit association (eingetragener Verein, gemeinnützig anerkannt) founded in 1984 and headquartered at Herwarthstr. 7 in Cologne, Germany, with approximately 16 employees. It delivers free, confidential, and independent counseling and integration services to refugees and asylum seekers across multiple locations in North Rhine-Westphalia, including Köln, Bonn, and Leverkusen, as well as inside state reception facilities (EAE Köln, ZUE Bonn, ZUE Leverkusen). Service lines include legal advice on asylum and residence law (FluchtPunkt, Unabhängige Beratungsstelle, Bleibewerk Bonn, ZUE Bonn asylum-procedure counseling), initial orientation coaching, youth and educational programs, volunteer coordination through the Forum für Willkommenskultur, the KöKiPAT 1:1 mentoring program for primary school children with refugee backgrounds, move-out management from communal accommodation, and an ombudsman office for conflict mediation. The organization also publishes three podcast series (HIER\GEBLIEBEN, HART AN DER GRENZE, WIR REDEN MIT) and educational materials.

The organization's underlying technology is minimal; it operates as a service-based NGO with no proprietary software, API, or integrations, and beneficiary reach is delivered through physical counseling sites, phone hotlines, email, and organic social channels. Its business model is a hybrid nonprofit funding stack: substantial municipal and state grants (Stadt Köln, NRW/LVR), EU AMIF co-funding for specific programs, third-party grants from UNHCR Germany (UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe) and Aktion Mensch, individual and corporate donations (including a €2,500 grant from Bürgerstiftung Köln referenced in 2024), and a newly structured Fördermitgliedschaft (supporting membership) with annual tiers of €40–€500 for natural persons and €80–€500 for legal entities. All counseling services to refugees are provided free of charge, and donations/memberships are tax-deductible under its gemeinnützig status. The go-to-market motion is community-led, relying on word-of-mouth, school and municipal partnerships, and the website/social channels to reach beneficiaries. The organization is currently running a public advocacy campaign to prevent proposed cuts in Cologne's next Doppelhaushalt, indicating near-term funding pressure on its core public-grant base.

Name

Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V

Legal name

Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V.

Website

https://koelner-fluechtlingsrat.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V. is a Cologne-based nonprofit founded in 1984 that delivers free, independent legal counseling and integration services to refugees and asylum seekers across Köln, Bonn, and Leverkusen, including inside NRW state reception facilities, funded by municipal, state, EU, and philanthropic grants plus membership fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Refugee Advocacy and Social Services

NAICS

Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Refugee & Immigrant Support Services (BPAGAEAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Migrant & Refugee Legal Aid and Documentation Services (BPADAHAE), Newcomer & Refugee Student Support Programs (EDAJAGAH)

Keywords

• Refugee advocacy services
• Asylum legal counseling
• Refugee integration support
• Volunteer coordination programs
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Köln

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Municipal / Public Funding: The organization receives significant funding from the city of Köln and state of NRW for its counseling and integration services.
2. Fördermitgliedschaft (Supporting Membership): Annual membership fees ranging from €40 to €500 per year for natural persons and €80 to €500 for legal entities, providing recurring revenue.
3. Donations and Sponsorships: One-time and recurring donations from individuals and corporate sponsors. The organization mentions corporate sponsorship with logo placement on the website.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V. provides free, independent, and confidential counseling and support services for refugees and asylum seekers across North Rhine-Westphalia, principally in Köln, Bonn, and Leverkusen. Its core offerings include legal advice on asylum and residence law (delivered through multiple counseling centers such as FluchtPunkt, Bleibewerk Bonn, the Unabhängige Beratungsstelle, and embedded counseling inside NRW state reception facilities), initial orientation coaching, youth and educational programs (notably the KöKiPAT 1:1 mentoring program for refugee-background primary school children), volunteer coordination via the Forum für Willkommenskultur, ombudsman/conflict mediation, and support for housing transitions (Auszugsmanagement). The organization is registered as a charitable nonprofit association (eingetragener Verein, gemeinnützig) founded in 1984.

Product overview

Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V. is a non-profit refugee advocacy organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of social services rather than a unified software product. The core offerings include multiple counseling centers (Beratungsstellen) across Köln, Bonn, and Leverkusen providing legal advice on asylum and residence law; the independent counseling center (Unabhängige Beratungsstelle) and Bleibewerk Bonn for refugee-specific guidance; ZUE Bonn for state facility-based asylum procedure counseling; and FluchtPunkt for broader refugee services. Supporting programs include youth and educational work, voluntary work coordination (Forum für Willkommenskultur), the KöKiPAT mentorship program pairing volunteers with refugee children, move-out management for housing transitions, and an ombudsman office for conflict resolution. The organization also produces podcasts (HIER\GEBLIEBEN, HART AN DER GRENZE, WIR REDEN MIT) and distributes educational materials. Funded membership (Fördermitgliedschaft) and donation programs support ongoing operations. This is a service-based non-profit organization, not a technology product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• KöKiPAT – Kölner Kinder-Patenschaften: Out-of-school support program pairing primary school children with refugee backgrounds with volunteer mentors for one-on-one companionship
• Bleibewerk Bonn
• Forum für Willkommenskultur
• HIER\GEBLIEBEN
• HART AN DER GRENZE
• WIR REDEN MIT

Products and services

• Beratungsstellen (Counseling Centers) Multiple counseling centers across Köln, Bonn, Leverkusen, and within NRW state facilities providing advice on asylum law, residence permits, family reunification, education, and work for refugees and asylum seekers.
• Unabhängige Beratungsstelle (Independent Counseling Center) Free, confidential counseling for newly arrived refugees in Cologne on questions about residence, distribution, accommodation, and supply, with open consultation hours; located inside the Ausländeramt building and funded by Aktion Mensch.
• Bleibewerk Bonn Counseling and support in Bonn for refugees on asylum, residence permits, family reunification, school, work, and apprenticeship; also serves unaccompanied minors; funded by LVR / Amt für Kinder, Jugend und Familie NRW.
• ZUE Bonn – Asylverfahrensberatung / Sozialberatung Independent asylum procedure and social counseling embedded inside the NRW state reception facility ZUE Bonn–Bad Godesberg, including psychosocial initial counseling; funded by UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe.
• FluchtPunkt Counseling center in Köln-Innenstadt on asylum law, residence law, and asylum-seekers' benefits law, including asylum procedures, rights consolidation, and family reunification questions.
• Einzelcoaching – Ankommen in Köln (Individual Arrival Coaching) Initial orientation coaching ("Ankommen in Köln – Dein Kompass für die Zukunft") supporting newly arrived refugees in Cologne with everyday life, health, school, education, and building new social contacts; EU AMIF co-funded.
• KöKiPAT – Kölner Kinder-Patenschaften Extracurricular 1:1 mentorship program pairing volunteer mentors with primary-school children with refugee backgrounds for one year, run jointly with the Kommunales Integrationszentrum Köln; over 500 completed mentorships with measurable German-language gains.
• Forum für Willkommenskultur Network supporting Cologne welcome initiatives and volunteers in refugee work, providing qualification, information, and networking opportunities; cooperates with Kölner Freiwilligen Agentur e.V. and the Stadt Köln.
• Jugend- und Bildungsarbeit (Youth and Educational Work) Programs supporting youth with refugee backgrounds in education and social integration, complementing formal schooling with supplementary learning and social support.
• Auszugsmanagement (Move-out Management) Support program for refugees transitioning from communal accommodation to independent housing, helping with planning, landlord contacts, and the move-out process itself.
• Ombudsstelle (Ombudsman Office) Confidential conflict counseling and mediation service for refugees who encounter issues within the refugee support system, including disputes with accommodation providers or authorities.
• FliehKraft (Refugee Center FliehKraft) Refugee center in Köln (Turmstraße 3-5) hosting counseling and Erstorientierungs-Coaching for refugees, including the "Ankommen in Köln – Dein Kompass für die Zukunft" program.
• Podcasts (HIER\GEBLIEBEN, HART AN DER GRENZE, WIR REDEN MIT) Three podcast series providing information and discussions on refugee topics, asylum policies, and integration experiences for volunteers, supporters, and the general public.
• Freiwilligenarbeit (Voluntary Work Coordination) Programs supporting and coordinating volunteers in refugee work across Cologne, including the Forum für Willkommenskultur and the KöKiPAT mentorship program; managed by Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V.
• Materialien und Arbeitshilfen (Materials and Work Aids) Publications, work aids, and NRW decrees providing information and guidance for refugee support professionals and volunteers.
• Fördermitgliedschaft (Supporting Membership) Annual supporting membership of Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V., with tiered fees of €40–€500 per year for natural persons and €80–€500 per year for legal entities; tax-deductible under gemeinnützig status.
• Spenden und Sponsoring (Donations and Corporate Sponsorship) One-time and recurring donation program plus corporate sponsorship (with logo placement on the website) supporting the organization's refugee services in Köln, Bonn, and Leverkusen.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 500 completed mentoring/patenschaft relationships in the KöKiPAT program with measurable improvements in German language skills for all participating children

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Bürgerstiftung KölnminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Provided a donation of €2,500 to resume the transport cost reimbursement program for volunteers engaged in refugee work.
• Kölner Freiwilligen Agentur e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation partner for the Forum für Willommenskultur (Welcome Culture Forum), a joint project supporting volunteer initiatives in refugee work in Cologne. Provides coordination, networking, and qualification services for volunteers.
• Stadt Köln (City of Cologne)coreOthersPrimary municipal funder for multiple programs including the Forum für Willkommenskultur and other refugee integration services. Funding is currently under threat due to proposed municipal budget cuts.
• Kommunales Integrationszentrum KölncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the KöKiPAT program (Kölner Kinder-Patenschaften), providing extracurricular support for primary school children with refugee backgrounds.
• UNO-Flüchtlingshilfe (UNHCR Germany)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerFunder of the ZUE Bonn counseling services, providing funding and visibility to support refugees in state accommodation facilities.
• Aktion MenschcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFunder of the Unabhängige Beratungsstelle (Independent Counseling Office), supporting the free refugee counseling services in Cologne.
• EU AMIF (Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerEU co-funding for the Erstorientierungs-Coaching (Initial Orientation Coaching) program 'Ankommen in Köln – Dein Kompass für die Zukunft'.
• Landschaftsverband Rheinland (LVR) / Amt für Kinder, Jugend und Familie NRWcoreOthersFunder of the Bleibewerk Bonn counseling services, supporting refugee counseling in the Bonn area.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Pro Asyl: Germany's leading independent refugee rights organization, focused on asylum law advocacy and political lobbying. Comparable mission around legal protection of refugees, operating at national scale rather than regional.
• Flüchtlingsrat NRW: State-level refugee council for North Rhine-Westphalia that coordinates member organizations including Kölner Flüchtlingsrat. Directly comparable as a parallel regional refugee advocacy and counseling umbrella structure.

Others

• Aktion Mensch: Major German social lottery and funding organization that currently funds Kölner Flüchtlingsrat's Independent Counseling Office. Comparable only as ecosystem partner/funder rather than direct service provider.

Broad incumbents

• Deutscher Caritasverband: Germany's largest Catholic welfare association with extensive refugee and migration services including counseling, accommodation, and integration support. Comparable service portfolio but as part of broader welfare mandate.
• Diakonie Deutschland: Protestant welfare federation operating refugee counseling, integration programs, and asylum support across Germany. Comparable services through regional member organizations with broader social welfare scope.
• Malteser Deutschland: German humanitarian organization with refugee aid programs including integration support, medical care, and shelter. Comparable refugee-focused services but embedded in larger emergency and care operations.
• UNHCR Deutschland: UN Refugee Agency's Germany office, which currently funds Kölner Flüchtlingsrat's ZUE Bonn counseling. Comparable refugee mandate but operating as international body rather than regional service provider.
• Arbeiterwohlfahrt (AWO): Major German welfare association providing refugee and migration services including counseling, housing, and integration support. Comparable offerings within a much larger multi-service welfare organization.

Emerging players

• International Rescue Committee (IRC) Deutschland: International humanitarian organization with refugee resettlement and integration programming in Germany. Comparable legal aid and integration services for refugees with international network reach.
• Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Germany: Faith-based organization providing direct refugee services including legal counseling, education, and psychosocial support in Germany. Comparable service model focused on refugee-specific needs rather than broader welfare.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xinstagram.com/koelner_fluechtlingsrat
• Facebookfacebook.com/koelnerfluechtlingsrat
• Instagraminstagram.com/koelner.fluechtlingsrat
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/k%C3%B6lner-fl%C3%BCchtlingsrat-e.v

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Kölner Flüchtlingsrat e.V