Mehr Zeit für Kinder e. V.

What Mehr Zeit für Kinder e. V. does

Mehr Zeit für Kinder e. V. is a registered nonprofit association (eingetragener Verein) founded in 1989 and headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, focused on strengthening the position of children and promoting child-friendliness through educational programs, health promotion initiatives, and family-oriented publications. Its core offerings include nationwide school programs such as 'Spielen macht Schule' (reaching 3,200+ schools and 464,700+ children), 'Spielen am Nachmittag' (after-school care), 'KiTa-Spielothek' (game lending libraries across 6,500+ kindergartens and 2,750+ crèches), the 2022-launched 'Damit Du Bescheid weißt' career orientation initiative for grades 8-10, and the intergenerational 'Fit mit Oma & Opa' program. A second major pillar, added in 2016, delivers co-funded health promotion and prevention measures in cooperation with 50+ statutory health insurance companies under § 20a SGB V, § 20b SGB V, and § 5 SGB XI, covering stress management, relaxation, nutrition, and movement workshops in Kitas, schools, vocational schools, after-school care, and senior care facilities.

The organization's 'technology' consists of curated educational content, pedagogical assessments, audio-guided relaxation programs (Fantasiereise, SeKA Selbstinstruktives Körper-Achtsamkeitstraining), and printed/digital publications — including family guidebooks, illness-explanation books for children, and corporate-sponsored children's books. It maintains a freemium pricing model: most materials are provided free of charge to schools, kindergartens, and families, while specialty books are sold at €4.98-€14.80. Revenue mechanics come from three primary streams: statutory health insurance reimbursements for prevention services, project-based funding from government institutions and corporate sponsors, and modest book/publication sales. Distribution is overwhelmingly direct-to-institution via endorsements from all 16 German Kultusministerien and partnerships with entities including the Deutsche Bundesbank, Bundeskanzleramt, ZNL TransferZentrum für Neurowissenschaften und Lernen, KET-Akademie, DGE, and over 20 toy industry sponsors. The organization operates with approximately 19 employees supported by freelance staff, led by Managing Director Simone Linden and Deputy Managing Director Katrin Bunk.

Name

Mehr Zeit für Kinder e. V.

Legal name

Mehr Zeit für Kinder e. V.

Website

https://mzfk.net

Company type

Private

Founded year

1989

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Mehr Zeit für Kinder e. V. is a Frankfurt-based German nonprofit founded in 1989 that runs nationwide educational, health-promotion, and family-support programs across schools, kindergartens, and senior care facilities, funded primarily by statutory health insurers, government partners, and corporate sponsors.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Children's Education and Family Services

NAICS

Health Care and Social Assistance (62), Child and Youth Services (62411), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Misc Health & Allied Services, Nec (8090)

akta.pro primary industry

Rare Disease & Special Needs Support Organizations (BPAGACAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Maternal, Newborn & Child Health (MNCH) Programs (BPADAIAC)

Keywords

• Children's education programs
• Family health promotion
• Play-based learning initiatives
• Nonprofit educational association
• Family guidebook publications

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfurt am Main

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. Book and Publication Sales: Sale of family guidebooks and explanatory books on serious illnesses. Publications include health guides, educational books, and family companions sold at various price points (4.98€ to 14.80€). Some publications are available for free.
2. Health Promotion Programs with Insurance Companies: Prevention and health promotion measures in cooperation with statutory health insurance companies (gesetzliche Krankenkassen) pursuant to § 20a SGB V, § 5 SGB XI and § 20b SGB V.
3. Funded Educational Projects: Project-based funding from government institutions, political bodies, and corporate partners for educational initiatives like 'Spielen macht Schule', 'Damit Du Bescheid weißt', and integration projects.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Mehr Zeit für Kinder e. V. is a nonprofit association that develops and distributes free educational programs, health promotion workshops, and family/children publications across Germany. Its core offerings are nationwide educational initiatives in schools and kindergartens (Spielen macht Schule, KiTa-Spielothek, Spielen am Nachmittag), statutory health insurance-funded prevention programs, and a catalog of family guidebooks and children's books explaining serious illnesses and complex topics.

Product overview

Mehr Zeit für Kinder e. V. is a non-profit charitable association founded in 1989 in Frankfurt am Main, focused on strengthening children's positions and promoting child-friendliness in society. The organization operates a portfolio of educational initiatives and health promotion programs rather than a software product. Core educational programs include 'Spielen macht Schule' (nationwide game room initiative for elementary schools), 'Spielen am Nachmittag' (after-school care program), 'KiTa-Spielothek' (daycare game library), 'Damit du Bescheid weißt' (vocational orientation for grades 8-10), and thematic workshops (Modelleisenbahn, Experimentieren, Coole Kids geben 8, Haustiere, Kreativität). Health promotion programs include relaxation workshops, nutrition mindfulness, movement activities, the 'Fit mit Oma & Opa' intergenerational initiative, and nursing home projects (E.V.A., A.D.A.M., ICH. ACHTE. AUF. MICH!). Publication products include family guidebooks (Familienratgeber), explanation and read-aloud books about serious illnesses, personal companions for illness, and corporate children's books explaining professions and economic topics. Digital offerings are limited to downloadable PDF tip sheets (Mitmach-Tipps), audio relaxation guides, and the 'berufsorientierung.mzfk.net' website. The organization collaborates with health insurance companies (§ 20a SGB V, § 5 SGB XI, § 20b SGB V) and is governed by its CEO Simone Linden.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Spielen macht Schule: Nationwide educational initiative to strengthen classical play and help students learn more easily.
• Spielen am Nachmittag
• KiTa-Spielothek
• Werkstätten
• Damit du Bescheid weißt
• Fit mit Oma & Opa

Products and services

• Spielen macht Schule Nationwide educational initiative where elementary schools compete for free game room equipment. 200 schools are selected as winners annually through jury competition, with all games pedagogically reviewed by ZNL TransferZentrum für Neurowissenschaften und Lernen. Currently reaches 3,200+ schools and 464,700+ children.
• Spielen am Nachmittag Annual initiative where 100 after-school care facilities (Horte) win free toy packages. Toys are also loaned to families for home play, with 1,000 winner after-school facilities reached.
• KiTa-Spielothek Daycare center program where kindergartens and crèches receive high-quality game equipment. Games are loaned to children and parents like library books, covering 6,500 kindergartens and 2,750 crèches.
• Damit du Bescheid weißt Vocational orientation initiative for grades 8-10 at secondary schools (Weiterführende Schulen). Provides online and offline materials for career exploration, helping students learn about vocational training careers and employers. Delivered through berufsorientierung.mzfk.net.
• Fit mit Oma & Opa Intergenerational initiative encouraging grandparents and grandchildren to become and stay fit together. Focus areas include movement, nutrition, and mental fitness, with an action course and activity planner for shared activities.
• Werkstätten (Thematic Workshops) Thematic workshops for schools including Modelleisenbahn (model railway), Experimentieren (science with Kosmos), Coole Kids geben 8 (accident prevention), Haustiere (pets with bpt and Purina PetCare), and Kreativität (creativity with Staedtler). Partners include Auhagen, Busch, Faller, Märklin, Noch, Viessmann, Kosmos, Bundesarbeitsgemeinschaft Mehr Sicherheit für Kinder, DVR, Ravensburger, bpt, Nestlé Purina PetCare, and Staedtler.
• Workshop-Reihe Prävention (Prevention Workshop Series) Prevention workshop series covering relaxation (Entspannung), mindfulness in nutrition (Achtsamkeit in der Ernährung), water education (WissensDurst), combined play and relaxation (Spielen und Entspannen), senior care programs (Regenbogenland, E.V.A., A.D.A.M., ICH. ACHTE. AUF. MICH!), and youth health examination awareness (J2). Programs fulfill Prevention Act criteria: long-term, active, regular, result-oriented.
• Familienratgeber (Family Guidebooks) Family guidebooks published since 1993 with practical everyday tips and expert information. Topics include child safety, nutrition, body awareness, emotional intelligence, resilience, speech development, parenting, and family movement. Sold at 4.98€ to 14.80€ price points.
• Erklär- und Vorlesebücher zu schweren Krankheiten Series of explanation and read-aloud books for children about serious family illnesses including cancer, dementia, depression, addiction, bipolar disorder, epilepsy, aphasia, and palliative care. Each book contains a children's story and adult information section. Many titles provided free of charge to families and healthcare facilities.
• Begleiter zu schweren Krankheiten Personal companion booklets with tips for family life during illness, featuring spaces for personal entries. Includes guides on elder care, depression, anxiety disorders, Parkinson's, and breast cancer.
• Unternehmen und spannende Themen kindgerecht erklärt Corporate-published children's books explaining parents' professions and complex topics (banking, economics) to children. Notable: 'Dem Geld auf der Spur' produced with Deutsche Bundesbank reached all 16,000 German primary schools with 333,700 reorders. Includes 'Finn blickt durch' (with Apollo-Optik) about vision development.
• Fantasiereise (Audio Relaxation) Audio-guided relaxation journeys for families introducing mindfulness exercises, including 'Wiese der Schmetterlinge' (Meadow of Butterflies) for bedtime rituals and 'Tierzauber' (animal movement game) requiring 15 minutes of family time.
• SeKA Achtsamkeitstraining CD - Lorin besucht das Tierreservat Audio relaxation training CD featuring stories about jaw exercises through animal sounds. Part of the SeKA® (Selbstinstruktives Körper-Achtsamkeitstraining / Self-instructive body-mindfulness training) program developed with Prof. Dr. Norbert Fessler at KET-Akademie.
• Mitmach-Tipps (Free Downloadable Tip Sheets) Free downloadable PDFs with practical tips for families: Entspannung (3 relaxation tips), Bewegung (3 movement ideas with movement vouchers), and Spielen (5 tips for family game nights including planning advice and game vouchers). Distributed via the website (mzfk.net).

Quantifiable outcome

• 464,700+ children benefit from game rooms in 3,200 German schools
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, major and core.

• Various Companies for Career OrientationsupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Corporate partners for 'Damit Du Bescheid weißt' initiative: PTA ABDA, Bauhaus, BPA, Schornsteinfeger, Caravaning, DHL, Schweisser, Hair & Beauty Artist, PHV, Unilever, ZVO. Provide occupational profiles and industry insights for students.
• RavensburgermajorGTM or Marketing PartnerJoint poster campaign for Ravensburger's 50th anniversary of the blue triangle. Campaign titled 'Gemeinsam eine doppelt schöne Zeit erleben' (Experiencing double the joy together) displayed on billboards and city light posters starting October 1st. QR codes link to family play ideas on the association's website.
• Deutsche BundesbankcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation to produce educational book 'Dem Geld auf der Spur' explaining monetary policy to children. Book reached all 16,000 German primary schools with 333,700 reorders. Also sent to German Bundestag members and Bundesbank staff.
• KET-Akademie (Karlsruher Entspannungstraining)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch institution at Pädagogische Hochschule Karlsruhe led by Prof. Dr. Norbert Fessler. Validated relaxation methods for children in elementary education. Trained Mehr Zeit für Kinder team as certified relaxation trainers for children.
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung (DGE) - Sektion HessensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerDGE represents nutritional science goals at state level, focusing on nutrition education, consulting, and public information work for health promotion.
• ZNL TransferZentrum für Neurowissenschaften und LernencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScientific partner at Ulm conducting cognitive science research with focus on learning. Led by Prof. Dr. Dr. Manfred Spitzer. All games evaluated with pedagogical assessments. Key partner for 'Spielen macht Schule' and 'KiTa-Spielothek' initiatives.
• 16 Kultusministerien (German State Education Ministries)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll 16 German state education ministries support 'Spielen macht Schule' initiative and endorse participation of schools. Ministers select winning schools in juried sessions.
• Betriebskrankenkassen (Company Health Insurance Funds)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 50 company health insurance funds co-finance health promotion and prevention measures pursuant to § 20a SGB V, § 5 SGB XI and § 20b SGB V. Includes BKK Achenbach Buschhütten, Bosch BKK, Atlas BKK, Bahn BKK, Daimler BKK, BMW BKK, and many more.
• Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellery)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntegration project producing family guides on dementia in Turkish and Russian languages. Addresses migrant elderly and their families.
• Mildenberger VerlagsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation on language learning materials for refugee support. Distributed over 100 language learning sets through German Bundestag members.
• Deutscher Verband der Spielwarenindustrie e.V. (DVSI)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerToy industry association sponsors games and toys for 'Spielen macht Schule' initiative. Supported 'Wert des Spielens' (Value of Play) initiative where politicians distributed game packages to social institutions.
• Toy Industry SupporterssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor toy companies sponsor educational games: Ravensburger, Playmobil, HABA, Kosmos, Hasbro, Märklin, Bruder, ZAPF Creation, LEGO, Piatnik, Hutter Trade, Pegasus, Fischertechnik, Asmodee, AMIGO, Idee+Spiel, Smartoys, Vedes, Spielzeug-Ring, Spin Master.
• Apollo-OptikStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation on picture book 'Finn blickt durch' about vision development, distributed to German kindergartens.
• Baden-Württembergische Landesvereinigung der Elternselbsthilfe Suchtgefährdeter und Suchtkranker e.V.supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelf-help organization for families affected by addiction. Co-produced family guides on addiction-related topics including children's grief and trauma.
• Guttempler Hessen and Nordrhein-WestfalensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAddiction support organizations co-producing family guide on parental addiction 'Wenn Mama oder Papa trinkt'.
• Freundeskreise für Suchtkrankenhilfe Landesverband Niedersachsen e.V.supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelf-help organization co-producing family guide 'Zwischen Flaschenchaos, Stress und Tränen' about family life with addiction.
• Bayerischer Landesverband für die Rehabilitation der Aphasiker (BLRA) e.V.supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAphasia rehabilitation organization co-produced guide 'Wenn Mama plötzlich die Worte fehlen' about family life with aphasia.
• Deutsche Gesellschaft für PalliativmedizinsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical society supported revision of 'Opa wird bald sterben' palliative care book for children.
• ZNL TransferZentrum für Neurowissenschaften und LernencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation on 'Spielen und Entspannen' workshop series for primary schools, qualifying teachers to integrate relaxation and classical play into school day.
• Landesverbände der Epilepsie Selbsthilfegruppen Baden-Württemberg und HessensupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerEpilepsy self-help groups co-produced 'Wie ein Gewitter im Kopf' book about epilepsy with BKK funding.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Deutsche Kinder- und Jugendstiftung (DKJS): German nonprofit foundation focused on child and youth education and development in schools and communities. Directly comparable to Mehr Zeit für Kinder through its national program model, school partnerships, and family/child welfare mission funded by foundations and corporate partners.
• Stiftung Lesen: German nonprofit foundation promoting reading and literacy among children and families through school programs, publications, and Bundesland partnerships. Highly comparable mission and distribution model to Mehr Zeit für Kinder, particularly around the Familienratgeber book series.
• SOS-Kinderdörfer Deutschland: Large German nonprofit providing child welfare, education, and family support services through institutional partnerships and donor funding. Comparable as a major German child-focused nonprofit with national reach and health-related program lines.
• Kindernothilfe: German child-welfare nonprofit supporting children's education, health, and family strengthening programs with corporate and government co-financing. Comparable as a nonprofit with similar institutional partnership structure, though with stronger international development focus.

Broad incumbents

• Aktion Mensch: Germany's largest social nonprofit funding inclusion, education, and family-support projects nationwide through lottery income. Comparable institutional partnership model and family/child program portfolio, though at significantly larger scale.
• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA): Federal government agency for health education in Germany, providing nationwide prevention programs, family health materials, and school-based health promotion. Overlaps with Mehr Zeit für Kinder's § 20 SGB V-funded health promotion work but operates as a much larger government-backed entity.
• Bertelsmann Stiftung: Major German private foundation with significant education, family, and health programs targeting schools and communities. Comparable as a multi-program nonprofit with strong Bund and Bundesland ministerial relationships and education-policy publications.

Regional players

• LEGO Foundation: Philanthropic arm of the LEGO Group funding play-based learning research and school programs globally, including in Germany. Comparable mission around learning through play with scientific research partners, though operating internationally rather than Germany-specific.
• Sesame Workshop: US-based nonprofit producing educational content and family wellness programming with global distribution and corporate partnerships. Comparable as a nonprofit producing educational content for children with scientific validation, though with international rather than German federal reach.

Others

• Ravensburger AG: Major German toy and puzzle manufacturer that is Mehr Zeit für Kinder's flagship corporate partner for the 'Spielen macht Schule' program and joint poster campaigns. Comparable as a play-based educational brand with German family audiences, though operating as a commercial entity rather than nonprofit.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/mzfk

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Mehr Zeit für Kinder e. V.