Overview
The Heinrich Böll Foundation (Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung) is a legally independent political foundation closely affiliated with the German political party Alliance 90/The Greens. Headquartered in Berlin, the foundation operates as a catalyst for green visions and projects, functioning as an international network with dozens of offices worldwide. It serves as a think tank for policy reform and an international network for social and political activism.
Mission and focus areas
The foundation’s work is centered on the promotion of democratic participation, socio-ecological transformation, and human rights. Key focus areas include climate change and energy policy, biodiversity, gender democracy, and migration policy. It specifically aims to foster transatlantic and global dialogue on green issues and supports partners in civil society across various regions including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Structure and governance
The foundation is an e.V. (registered association) based in Berlin. Its leadership includes a board of presidents, currently including Jan Philipp Albrecht. It maintains several specialized institutes and portals, such as the Gunda Werner Institute for gender policy and feminism, and GreenCampus, its academy for political management and personnel development.
Programs and offerings
The foundation produces extensive publications, including a series of thematic “Atlases” (such as the Plastic, Agriculture, and Ocean Atlases) and policy papers on international conflict and social issues. It provides a comprehensive scholarship program for graduates and PhD students, both from Germany and abroad. Educational offerings are managed through GreenCampus, focusing on gender and diversity management, while the Heimatkunde portal provides specialized resources on migration policy.
