Insights into the organization
Structure & People
Effective development work is possible where people come together who believe in change and in the power of collaboration. People who are guided by shared goals and principles, and who are not only committed but also open-minded and eager to learn. Our staff members make a conscious decision to support this project. We all draw energy, direction, and valuable experience from our interactions with one another and with the people in our projects, as well as from the visible successes of our work.
General Meeting
The General Assembly is the supreme governing body and, pursuant to Sections 32 et seq. of the German Civil Code (BGB), the legal entity of the association. It manages the association’s affairs to the extent that decisions are not assigned to another body by the bylaws. The General Assembly is convened by the Board of Directors and meets at least twice a year. Membership in the association is open to individuals and legal entities who wish to support its objectives. As of June 30, 2024, the association had 25 members who performed their duties on a volunteer basis.
Board of Supervisors
On July 8, 2017, the association’s general meeting established a volunteer supervisory board. It is composed of individuals who wish to engage in social work alongside their careers or after retiring from active professional life, and who can make a significant difference through their experience, ideas, and contacts.
The Supervisory Board consists of at least three people and is elected by the General Assembly. It may include both members of the association and non-members, though members must constitute the majority. The Supervisory Board serves on a voluntary basis. Its duties include advising and overseeing the Executive Board, granting discharge to the Executive Board for a completed fiscal year, and representing the association. The Supervisory Board has a Chairperson (President) and a Vice Chairperson (Vice President). Both are elected from among the members of the Supervisory Board. Only a member of the association may serve as President.
Our current Supervisory Board is composed as follows:
Hans-Jürgen Förster · President
Claudia Moser · Vice President
Dr. Reinhild Günther
Board of Directors
The association’s management responsibilities are carried out by the Executive Board. The Executive Board works on a full-time basis and is compensated for its work. The Executive Board is appointed by the Supervisory Board and represents the association externally. The Executive Board manages all matters and the day-to-day operations of the association, unless the law, the bylaws, or the appointment of management assign these responsibilities to another body.
Our Team
At ChildFund Germany, we work together in six closely interconnected teams: Finance, Project Finance, Programs, Fundraising, Sponsor and Donor Services, and Communications. Each team is led by a team leader responsible for that specific area.
Häufig gefragt
What does ChildFund Germany stand for, and what is the goal of its work?
Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.
How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?
The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.
How does ChildFund Germany work?
Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.
What kinds of projects does ChildFund Germany carry out?
Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
What regions and issues does ChildFund Germany focus on?
We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.
How can I support ChildFund Germany?
There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.