Changes in the legal, economic and organisational environment are prompting many foundations to consider how they can continue to fulfil their purpose effectively over the long term. Sinngeber supports foundations, founder families and high-net-worth individuals engaged in philanthropy in the strategic development of existing structures – from an initial assessment through to legal, organisational and operational implementation.
The founder’s intent always remains at the heart of this process. Working closely with those responsible, Sinngeber analyses which organisational and funding structures are best suited to safeguarding the foundation’s assets, purpose and social impact over the long term. This takes into account both the current situation and future requirements relating to governance, board composition, administration and financial sustainability.
Through this approach, Hoffnungsträger aims to strengthen organisations seeking to create lasting impact – guided by their values, strategically positioned and equipped for the future.
“A foundation is not a static entity. Circumstances change, while the founder’s intent and the foundation’s social objectives are intended to endure,” says Michael Schmid, Managing Director of Sinngeber gGmbH. “Our role is to work with everyone involved to develop a structure capable of fulfilling this ambition over the long term.”
Sinngeber’s advisory services include analysing existing foundation statutes and organisational structures, developing viable scenarios for the future and assessing potential structural changes. These may include amendments to statutes, partnerships, trust-based solutions, spend-down foundations, mergers or the transfer of assets into existing charitable structures.
Sinngeber combines strategic philanthropy advisory with legal, tax, organisational and operational coordination. Implementation takes place in close consultation with the foundation’s governing bodies, specialist advisers, the relevant foundation supervisory authority and the tax authorities.
In addition to structural development, Sinngeber also supports foundations in shaping their future grant-making activities. This includes developing impact and portfolio strategies, selecting appropriate funding instruments, supporting grant recipients and designing tailored opportunities for founders, family members and existing networks of friends and supporters to remain actively involved.
“Preserving a particular legal or organisational structure is not the only thing that matters,” explains Michael Schmid. “What matters is ensuring that the assets, philanthropic purpose and personal connection continue to create lasting impact, even as circumstances change.”
With this advisory approach, Sinngeber positions itself as a philanthropic multi-family office for high-net-worth individuals, families and foundations. At its heart is a bespoke approach: every solution is individually crafted around each client’s objectives, values and circumstances.
The mission statement sums up this ambition:
“We enable individuals with significant wealth to engage in meaningful philanthropy. Together, we create tailored, high-impact philanthropic initiatives – from strategy through to implementation. Through our work, we help shape the culture of philanthropy across the German-speaking world.”
About Sinngeber
Sinngeber is a philanthropic multi-family office. It supports high-net-worth philanthropists, founder families and foundations in strategically aligning their social engagement, implementing it in a structured way and creating lasting impact.
Its services include strategic philanthropy advisory, tailored impact and portfolio strategies, foundation advisory and structural development, as well as flexible instruments for implementing philanthropic engagement. Sinngeber combines strategic advisory expertise with legal, organisational and operational support.