Sinngeber supports the merger of Isaak stiftung into the Hoffnungsträger foundation

The foundation’s purpose, the founder’s intent and opportunities for continued involvement will be preserved for the long term within a strong and sustainable structure

Leonberg, 23^rd July 2026 – Isaak Stiftung is to be merged into the Hoffnungsträger Foundation. As part of this process, it will transfer all of its foundation assets to Hoffnungsträger and cease operating as an independent foundation. Sinngeber will ensure that its existing funding objectives continue for the long term under the umbrella of the Hoffnungsträger Foundation.

At the heart of the decision was the question of how the foundation’s purpose could continue to be fulfilled effectively and in a financially sustainable manner in changing circumstances. In particular, Isaak Stiftung had faced challenges in appointing the governing bodies required under foundation law. After carefully reviewing a range of options and working closely with the relevant regional authorities, those responsible decided to merge the foundation into the Hoffnungsträger Foundation.

Such a merger allows the assets of one foundation to be transferred to an existing foundation. Foundation law thus provides a means of safeguarding the fulfilment of the foundation’s purpose over the long term while benefiting from established administrative and governance structures. The original founder’s intent remains paramount throughout the process. The relevant authorities and other bodies are closely involved in its implementation.

“When making a decision of this kind, preserving an independent organisational structure is not the primary consideration. What matters is preserving the foundation’s legacy and safeguarding its social impact for the long term,” says Michael Schmid, Managing Director of Sinngeber gGmbH, who provided professional guidance throughout the process. “A merger of this kind can offer a responsible and forward-looking solution.”

Following the transfer of assets to Hoffnungsträger, Sinngeber will ensure that the purposes of Isaak Stiftung continue to be fulfilled over the long term. This preserves its existing funding priorities while allowing administrative functions to be consolidated and more resources to be focused on charitable activities. Isaak Stiftung’s circle of friends and supporters will continue to maintain relationships with grant recipients.

The decision was prepared through a comprehensive strategic and legal process. This included analysing the initial situation and the foundations’ existing statutes, evaluating different options for the future, and coordinating the legal, tax and regulatory implementation. The necessary steps were agreed with the governing bodies of the foundations involved and the relevant authorities.

Sinngeber supported those involved throughout the process – from strategic decision-making and coordination of the legal and organisational implementation through to preparing the integration into the Hoffnungsträger Foundation as the receiving foundation. Sinngeber will also continue to provide both advisory and operational support in shaping future grant-making activities and the associated opportunities for involvement.

“Addressing questions of succession, governance and financial sustainability at an early stage and with an open mind can reveal new possibilities. The merger of Isaak Stiftung into the Hoffnungsträger Foundation demonstrates how a founder’s intent, foundation assets and philanthropic impact can be safeguarded for the long term within a sustainable structure,” says Michael Schmid.

Through the merger, Isaak Stiftung and the Hoffnungsträger Foundation are setting an example of how philanthropic engagement can be developed with foresight and secured for the future.