Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte

What Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte does

The Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte is a non-profit charitable foundation (Stiftung des bürgerlichen Rechts) established in 1837 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, as the oldest still-active subsidiary of the Polytechnische Gesellschaft. The organization provides holistic rehabilitation, counseling, training, housing, and arts programming for blind and visually impaired individuals across Frankfurt am Main and the broader Hesse region. Its service portfolio spans Blindentechnische Grundausbildung (basic blind technology training), Orientierung und Mobilität (orientation and mobility), Lebenspraktische Fähigkeiten (life skills), EDV- und Braille-Unterricht (computer and Braille instruction), Integrationskurse for visually impaired refugees, and dedicated counseling lines (Low Vision-Beratung, Hilfsmittelberatung, Seniorenberatung/EUTB).

The foundation also operates an arts and inclusion vertical that includes Werkstatt-Galerie 37 (an art workshop named after the 1837 founding year), the inclusive music band Blind Foundation (founded 2004, performing internationally), and Blind Groove (an inclusive percussion group launched 2023). It maintains barrier-free rental housing at its Adlerflychtstraße headquarters and sells educational products including 3D Braille-Buchstabenkarten co-developed with Hansen Werbetechnik. Its technology footprint is service-delivery oriented rather than product-software oriented, relying on third-party accessibility integrations (NaviLens, TAKTILo, Eye-Able) rather than proprietary software platforms.

The foundation operates a hybrid non-commercial and modest fee-based revenue model. Core rehabilitation and counseling services are delivered free of charge, funded by donations (including institutional support from the parent Polytechnische Gesellschaft), sponsors, and earmarked public funding from BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge for integration courses since 2002) and BMAS (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales for the EUTB counseling center since 2018). Select services carry modest fees: Low Vision-Beratung consultations at €95 per session, Braille letter cards at €299 per set. The organization has a small team of seven staff and is governed by a Kuratorium (Supervisory Board) and Vorstand (Executive Board), with Andreas Enzmann serving as Vorstand since 2015.

Name

Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte

Legal name

Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte

Website

https://sbs-frankfurt.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1837

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte is a 1837-founded charitable foundation in Frankfurt am Main providing rehabilitation, counseling, training, accessible housing, and arts programs for blind and visually impaired individuals in the Hesse region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services and Rehabilitation

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG), Special Education, Disability Support & Inclusive Education Nonprofits (BPAGADAH)

Keywords

• Visual impairment rehabilitation
• Assistive device counseling
• Braille education training
• Orientation mobility services
• Disability social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Frankfurt am Main

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The foundation relies on donations from the public, sponsors, and the parent Polytechnische Gesellschaft. It is a non-profit organization with tax-exempt status under German tax law (Abgabenordnung).
2. Consulting Services: Fee-based Low Vision consultation services at €95.00 per session, directly billed to clients.
3. Educational Materials Sales: Sale of Braille letter cards (Braille-Buchstabenkarten) at €299.00 per set, including packaging and shipping.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte is a non-profit charitable foundation that delivers rehabilitation, counseling, training, housing, and inclusive arts programs directly to blind and visually impaired individuals in Frankfurt am Main. It also produces 3D Braille letter cards as a paid educational material and supports refugees with visual impairments through BAMF-funded integration courses.

Product overview

Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte is a charitable foundation established in 1837, offering a holistic portfolio of services for blind and visually impaired individuals. The organization operates as a unified service provider combining: rehabilitation services (Blindentechnische Grundausbildung, Orientierung und Mobilität, Lebenspraktische Fähigkeiten, Integrationskurs, EDV- und Braille-Unterricht), multiple consultation services (Low Vision-Beratung, Hilfsmittelberatung, Seniorenberatung/EUTB), artistic programs (Werkstatt-Galerie 37, Blind Foundation, Blind Groove), housing services, and educational materials (Braille-Buchstabenkarten). Key programs include visioFrankfurt for community outreach, and inclusive music initiatives.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Werkstatt-Galerie 37: Art workshop for blind and visually impaired people to explore arts and crafts talents, learn new skills, and socialize.
• Blind Foundation
• Blind Groove
• visioFrankfurt

Products and services

• Low Vision-Beratung Manufacturer-independent consultation on magnifying visual aids for visually impaired individuals of all ages. Includes assessment of visual functions, reading ability, magnification and contrast vision, with recommendations for optical aids, electronic magnifiers, and screen readers. Cost: €95.00 per approximately one-hour session, paid directly at the appointment.
• Hilfsmittelberatung Individual consultation on assistive devices for daily living and telecommunications. Sessions present various aids and assist clients with selecting suitable products.
• Seniorenberatung (Beratung bei Sehverlust und Blindheit) Specialized counseling service for seniors affected by blindness or visual impairment and their relatives, covering daily living aids, technical devices (specialized smartphones, reading devices), talking watches, and marking aids.
• Blindentechnische Grundausbildung Basic blind-technology training program teaching blind and visually impaired individuals the use of assistive technologies and tools for daily living.
• Orientierung und Mobilität Orientation and mobility training program helping blind and visually impaired individuals navigate safely and independently.
• Lebenspraktische Fähigkeiten (LPF) Training in practical life skills for blind and visually impaired individuals.
• EDV- und Braille-Unterricht Computer and Braille instruction program for blind and visually impaired individuals.
• Integrationskurs (Special Integration Courses) Special integration courses for blind and visually impaired refugees, combining German language learning with visual-impairment-specific rehabilitation. Funded by BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge).
• Wohnen (Barrier-free Housing) Rental apartments for blind and visually impaired individuals at the foundation's premises at Adlerflychtstraße 8-14 in Frankfurt am Main. Each newly rented apartment is fully renovated.
• Ergänzende unabhängige Teilhabeberatung (EUTB) Independent participation counseling service offering supplementary, independent advice (Ergänzende unabhängige Teilhabeberatung) for people with disabilities. Funded by BMAS.
• Werkstatt-Galerie 37 Art workshop and gallery where blind and visually impaired individuals develop artistic skills in stone carving, clay work, wood, and metal. Open to adults, youth, and children from age 8, plus sighted relatives and companions. A four-week free trial is available.
• Blind Foundation (Music Band) Inclusive music band of two blind and two sighted musicians, performing jazz, rock, Christmas songs, and original compositions at events across Germany and internationally (Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg, Austria, Russia, Egypt). CD releases include MOVE, SMILE, Emoticons, and Schneeklänge.
• Blind Groove (Percussion Group) Inclusive percussion group meeting monthly on Thursdays at the Musisches Zentrum, open to blind, visually impaired, and sighted music enthusiasts. Participation is free of charge.
• Braille-Buchstabenkarten (Braille Letter Cards) 3D Braille letter cards (74 cards) displaying letters in both black print and tactile Braille, housed in a high-quality acrylic box with two laying rails for word formation. Educational material developed with Hansen Werbetechnik, priced at €299.00 per set including packaging and shipping.
• Blindenenschachclub Frankfurt (Chess Club) Chess club meeting at the Musisches Zentrum, open to blind, visually impaired, and sighted players, with annual membership at €30.00.

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Polytechnische GesellschaftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1837Parent organization that founded the Frankfurter Stiftung in 1837. The Polytechnische Gesellschaft is an association established in 1816 that promotes Frankfurt's welfare. It has founded approximately 50 subsidiary institutes over 200 years, with 7 still active today including this foundation. The foundation is the oldest still-active subsidiary.
• Stiftung Polytechnische GesellschaftcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished in 2005 and generously endowed by the Polytechnische Gesellschaft. Active in Frankfurt in fields of education, science, culture, and social affairs. Supports both through funding and direct operations. Has sponsored 130,000 Frankfurt citizens including 2,300 scholarship recipients since its founding.
• HelpMundo GmbHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline donation platform provider. All online donations are processed through HelpMundo's donation forms. Privacy policy of HelpMundo GmbH applies to donation transactions.
• PRO RETINA Deutschland e. V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGermany's largest and oldest self-help organization for people with retinal degenerations. Has over 6,600 members in approximately 60 regional groups. Promotes research, informs and advises those affected, and raises public awareness. Partner at visioFrankfurt event.
• Blinden- und Sehbehindertenbund Hessen e. V. (BSBH)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSelf-help organization representing interests of blind and visually impaired citizens in Hessen. Approximately 1,700 members. Operates 'Blickpunkt Auge' counseling service. Free and independent consultation by self-affected individuals for nearly 100 years. Partner at visioFrankfurt.
• blista FrankfurtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides consulting, training, and integration services including combined Low Vision and IT/aids consultations, career counseling, PROJob program for job seekers, and job coaching for professionals. Partner at visioFrankfurt.
• DialogmuseumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExperience museum and social enterprise offering 'Dialog im Dunkeln' exhibition where blind and visually impaired guides lead groups through lightless themed rooms. Founded 2005, located at Hauptwache since 2021. Partner at visioFrankfurt.
• Blind FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInclusive music band founded by the foundation in 2004. Consists of two blind and two seeing musicians. Performs throughout Germany and internationally. Band lineup: Markus Hofmann (bandleader/bass), Florian Hollingshaus (guitar), Manfred Scharpenberg (drums/vocals). Releases include CDs: MOVE, SMILE, Emoticons, Schneeklänge.
• Bewegte InklusionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit sports company specializing in barrier-free sports for blind and visually impaired people. Offers 6 inclusive sports events in Hessen in 2025 in cooperation with BSBH. First 300 participants receive 6 months free access to 'Fitness zum Hören' app. Partner at visioFrankfurt.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Aktion Mensch: Germany's largest private social lottery funding disability inclusion, youth welfare, and accessibility projects. Not a direct service peer but a major funding source and policy influencer shaping the financial ecosystem SBS operates within.
• Deutscher Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverband (DBSV): National umbrella association representing blind and visually impaired people in Germany. Sets advocacy positions, coordinates regional member organizations, and influences federal disability policy that determines BAMF/BMAS-style funding flows SBS depends on.

Regional players

• Allgemeiner Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverein Berlin (ABSV): Berlin-based self-help and service organization offering counseling, assistive device advice, and social programs. Comparable in mission and service mix to SBS Frankfurt but operating in a different regional catchment.
• PRO RETINA Deutschland e.V. Germany's largest self-help organization for people with retinal degenerations (~6,600 members in 60 regional groups), focused on research funding, advice, and public awareness. It complements rather than directly substitutes for SBS services, and is a visioFrankfurt partner.
• Bayerischer Blinden- und Sehbehindertenbund (BBSB): Bavarian self-help association providing peer counseling, assistive technology training, and advocacy for blind and visually impaired residents. Functionally comparable to BSBH in Hesse but serving a different geography.

Direct peers

• Nikolauspflege – Stiftung für blinde und sehbehinderte Menschen: Stuttgart-based foundation providing education, vocational training, housing, and rehabilitation for blind and visually impaired individuals across the lifespan. Like SBS Frankfurt it combines residential, educational, and counseling offerings, making it one of the closest structural analogues in another German region.
• Deutsche Blindenstudienanstalt e.V. (blista): Headquartered in Marburg, blista is a comprehensive non-profit institution offering combined Low Vision and IT/aids consultations, vocational rehabilitation (PROJob), career counseling, and job coaching for blind and visually impaired people. It directly competes with SBS Frankfurt on specialist counseling, assistive technology training, and employment-focused services.
• Blinden- und Sehbehindertenbund Hessen e.V. (BSBH): Hesse-wide self-help organization with ~1,700 members running the Blickpunkt Auge counseling service and co-organizing visioFrankfurt with SBS. It is a regional peer offering peer-led counseling and advocacy that partially overlaps with SBS's Seniorenberatung and Low Vision offerings.

Emerging players

• Dialogmuseum Frankfurt: Frankfurt-based social enterprise running 'Dialog im Dunkeln' exhibitions led by blind guides. A visioFrankfurt partner with overlapping beneficiary outreach, but its experiential museum model differs from SBS's direct service delivery.
• Stiftung Auge (Deutsche Ophthalmologische Gesellschaft): Foundation affiliated with Germany's ophthalmological society focused on prevention, early detection, and research in eye disease. Adjacent mission that addresses upstream causes of visual impairment relevant to SBS's beneficiary base.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCTPorGV9gOuI3INQLcLgq9Q
• Instagraminstagram.com/blindfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/frankfurter-stiftung-f%C3%BCr-blinde-und-sehbehinderte

Compliance3 records

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 Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte