DRK team before aid flight with cargo to Greece

Contributing as a foundation

The global aid efforts of the German Red Cross (GRC) reach far and wide, across a large variety of locations and subjects.

In close collaboration with our 191 national sister societies we aim to provide fast support in emergencies, train local staff and volunteers, as well as support a number of projects that make a long-lasting impact to lives that are challenged with difficult circumstances.

Foundations can (and have made!) an invaluable contribution towards these efforts, actively improving the living conditions of some of the most vulnerable communities worldwide.

Having worked in close collaboration with charitable foundations over years, we appreciate the value of creating a partnership that thrives through open communication, transparency, and the most powerful of tools, a common cause.

Please feel free to get in touch with our Foundations Relations Managerwho will be happy to answer any questions you may have, give you a first glance into our extensive range of projects and guide you through the process of finding the right project or the right national sister society for you.


 Disaster risk management through the commitment of the foundation

Projects by subject and location

All our activities are guided by our Red Cross principles and are designed to help people in need, while empowering local communities and their members to play an active role in building their future. As of today, we are working in over 50 countries, consistently assessing and adjusting our efforts based on the most pressing subjects.

 Foundation aid - first aid courses for children

We have listed an overall summary of subjects below:

  • Emergency relief
  • Disaster Prevention
  • Healthcare
  • Water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)
  • Provision of basic goods and necessities
  • Adjusting to climate change
  • Assistance in urban contexts
  • Innovative financing concepts: Forecast-based financing

In order to secure the future of our unique network of staff and volunteers, which is at the core and the backbone of everything we do, we are looking for long-term partners that share our values and want to make a difference in the world.

Deeply rooted in local structures and benefitting from regional expertise, our local Red Cross teams allow close access to the communities you wish to support, making your funding go the extra mile in securing people’s livelihoods.


Whether your foundation wants to lend aid for a limited amount of time (i.e. during a natural disaster) or is looking for the perfect fit to create a long-term support system for one of our projects, there are a variety of options that we will gladly talk you through.

Contact details

Your support is very important for our national and international work. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions about our projects and our cooperation with foundations in Germany and abroad.

Katharina Dellbrügger
E-Mail:
  K.Dellbruegger(at)drk.de
Phone: +49 30 85404 - 174

Katharina Dellbrügger - Contact person for foundation cooperation

Recent cooperations

Marga und Walter Boll-Stiftung

The Marga and Walter Boll Foundation (‘Stiftung’ = foundation) has played a vital role in supplying GRC emergency aid. With the funding of our trainings for the emergency aid in the field of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), the foundation has contributed significantly to meeting basic humanitarian needs worldwide.  In the event of a crisis, a functioning infrastructure for water supply just as disease prevention is crucial. This requires trained personnel, who can be quickly deployed on site. Wherever possible, GRC trainings takes place in regions where humanitarian aid is needed. Training modules include the supply and recycling of drinking water, the logistics of storing and distributing water, as well as maintaining a sustainable water treatment and awareness campaigns.

> Further information on GRC’s WASH activities

 Marga and Walter Boll Foundation helps with water, sanitation and hygiene

Foundations supporting in Covid-19 relief efforts

 Help as a foundation and support the Corona aid worldwide

The global pandemic has weakened countries, societies, and families worldwide. The “chips and cracks” have become deeper, particularly wherever they have been shown previously. This means that the most vulnerable amongst us are now in desperate need, making the contribution of international donors even more vital as before.

There are many aid projects that aim at repairing those “cracks”, before they become even larger. In addition to its work at home in Germany, the GRC supports Corona relief projects in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, as well as in Central and South America.

Further information about our Covid-19 relief efforts (German)

Deutsche Bank Stiftung

One of the projects supported by the Deutsche Bank Stiftung is an innovative project that runs under the name of "Forecast-based Financing”, or FbF, in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. The GRC is currently involved in 15 FbF projects worldwide, where data is being collected and evaluated to better foresee natural disasters. Based on advanced forecasting models extreme weather can therefore be more accurately predicted. As a result, precise precautions can be taken in order to protect the local populations lives and livelihoods. The accumulated knowledge paired with professional trainings and emergency exercises of GRC staff and volunteers can thus prevent the worst in an emergency situation.

> Further information on Forecast-based Financing

 Water supply during heat waves, funded by the Deutsche Bank Foundation

 GRC helpers take care of a child

The International Red Cross Aid Foundation

The International Red Cross Aid Foundation is also thankful for every donation or endowment.The assets of the foundations of the German Red Cross (GRC) are an important pillar to fund our work. Besides acute emergency relief, the GRC mainly supports long-term projects that aim to develop self-help in the affected crisis regions and disaster areas. Donations and income will be spend on our foreign aid projects.

> Further information


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