This list contains some of Germany's largest foundations, with significant operations across various sectors. Many are well-established entities, some founded in the 19th or early 20th century. ZF Group, for example, supplies advanced mobility products, while ZEISS Group is a technology enterprise in optics. Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA is a global media and services company, and SCHOTT manufactures high-tech specialty glass materials. Others include MAHLE in automotive supply and Otto Group in retail.
A notable pattern among these foundations is their geographical spread across Germany, with headquarters in diverse cities such as Friedrichshafen, Oberkochen, Stuttgart, and Gütersloh. This indicates a broad distribution of industrial and service-oriented philanthropic entities rather than a concentration in a single region.
| # | Company | Employees | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 61,603 | ||||
| 2 |
ZEISS Groupzeiss.it
An internationally leading technology enterprise in optics and optoelectronics, with diverse segments and global operations employing over 43,000 employees |
26,018 | |||
| 3 | 25,666 | ||||
| 4 |
Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaAwonderl.ink
A global media, services, and education company with diverse subsidiaries, generating billions in revenue and striving for climate neutrality by 2030 |
20,799 | |||
| 5 |
SCHOTTschott.com
A pioneering manufacturer of high-tech materials for specialty glass, committed to responsibility, innovation, and sustainability across various industries globally |
17,000 | |||
| 6 |
Otto Groupottogroup.com
A globally active retail and services group with diverse product assortments, strong online presence, and strategic partnerships for market success |
9,448 | |||
| 7 |
Deichmanndeichmann-karriere.de
A leading shoe retail company with over 4,200 stores in 31 countries, offering career opportunities, training courses, and international development programs |
5,881 | |||
| 8 |
Zeppelin Groupzeppelin.com
A global group offering construction, engineering, energy systems, and plant solutions, with expertise in machinery distribution, rentals, and digital capabilities |
4,298 | |||
| 9 | 4,062 | ||||
| 10 |
Viessmann Generations Groupviessmann.group
Dedicated to delivering solutions for urgent global priorities like reducing greenhouse gases, improving air/water quality, securing food, advancing health/well-being, and strengthening education/science. |
3,345 | |||
| 11 |
Wilo Groupcms.media.wilo.com
Development and provision of sustainable, intelligent water management solutions for building services, industry, and global water challenges worldwide. |
2,709 | |||
| 12 |
WALAwala.world
A company committed to exploring the healing power of nature through healthcare products and natural cosmetics, prioritizing sustainability and employee well-being |
2,605 | |||
| 13 |
Alexianer GmbHwonderl.ink
A leading Catholic healthcare and social services company operating nationwide, providing medical care, senior, youth, and integration services, guided by a centuries-old tradition |
2,559 | |||
| 14 |
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Managementfom.de
A leading European institution offering practical-oriented bachelor's and master's degrees in various fields to students, professionals, and international students through campus and online learning options |
2,514 | |||
| 15 | 2,438 | ||||
| 16 |
Fresenius Groupfresenius.com
A leading healthcare company offering system-critical products and services for therapy, with a focus on advancing patient care and improving medicine for more people |
2,092 | |||
| 17 | 1,714 | ||||
| 18 |
v. Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethelbethel.de
The company provides a wide range of support and services for individuals with disabilities, illnesses, social challenges, and those in need of rehabilitation and care |
1,667 | |||
| 19 |
Diehl Defencenew.diehl.com
Develops and produces guided missiles and ammunition for military forces. Provides advanced ground-based air defence solutions along with reconnaissance and monitoring systems. |
1,471 | |||
| 20 |
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftungkas.de
Political foundation promoting peace, freedom, justice through education, counseling, supporting democracy, international dialogue, governance, and cooperation worldwide. |
1,390 | |||
| 21 |
Hirschvogel Grouphirschvogel.com
A leading automotive supplier specializing in steel and aluminum forging and machining, serving global automotive manufacturers and suppliers with innovative solutions |
1,377 | |||
| 22 |
Diehl Aviationdiehl.com
Development and provision of innovative aviation technologies focused on enhancing travel comfort, safety, resource efficiency, and future mobility solutions. |
1,374 | |||
| 23 |
Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftungfes.de
A non-profit organization promoting democracy, education, international cooperation, and social responsibility through political education, consulting, scholarships, and publications |
1,327 | |||
| 24 | 1,070 | ||||
| 25 |
Dorsch Gruppedorsch.com
An innovative consulting and engineering partner with a focus on transport, water, architecture, energy, and industry projects globally |
1,001 | |||
Want more companies than this list?This page shows the largest ones only. Connect to Tamtam to see every company that matches, filter by size, industry or growth, and reach their decision-makers. | |||||
| 26 |
Universität zu Lübeckuni-luebeck.de
Founded in 1964 as a medical academy, the University of Lübeck is now a renowned life science institution dedicated to advancing medical research, health, and societal wellbeing |
978 | |||
| 27 |
Schwarz Produktionschwarz-produktion.com
Leading German food producer specializing in recycling for retail, delivering food, sustainable materials, and packaging with a focus on quality and sustainability |
770 | |||
| 28 |
Diehl Groupdiehl.com
Family-operated global group providing metal processing, defense equipment, aviation technology, home appliances, and metering solutions with sustainability focus. |
759 | |||
| 29 |
Robert Bosch Hospitalrbk.de
Founded in 1915 as a private initiative, this hospital provides state-of-the-art medical care, interdisciplinary collaboration, research, and education for various health conditions |
736 | |||
| 30 |
Stiftung Universität Hildesheimuni-hildesheim.de
A university in Hildesheim offers a personalized atmosphere for studying selected scientific fields with a strong focus on practical relevance and individual support |
727 | |||
| 31 |
VOSS Automotivevoss.net
Specializing in efficient system solutions for commercial vehicles and passenger cars, VOSS Automotive optimizes tube and connection technology for current and future vehicle systems |
723 | |||
| 32 |
Marienhaus-Gruppemarienhaus.de
A leading organization in Germany providing healthcare, social services, education, and support for those in need, with a focus on compassion and human-centered care |
702 | |||
| 33 |
Heinrich-Böll-Stiftungboell.de
The company is dedicated to fostering democracy, human rights, environmental protection, gender equality, conflict prevention, and individual freedoms through global initiatives and partnerships |
632 | |||
| 34 |
Central Institute of Mental Healthzi-mannheim.de
Internationally renowned research institute and psychiatric treatment facility in Mannheim, Germany, also serving as an institute of higher learning and major local employer |
613 | |||
| 35 |
Georg-August-Universität Göttingenuni-goettingen.de
A renowned research university founded in 1737, offering diverse fields of study and exceptional resources in science, emphasizing research-based teaching |
609 | |||
| 36 |
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Managementwhu.edu
A leading Business School in Germany offering Bachelor, Master, MBA, and Executive MBA programs, as well as customized management programs |
607 | |||
| 37 |
Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkesstudienstiftung.de
This organization is Germany's oldest and largest scholarship foundation, dedicated to supporting talented students through various funding programs and educational opportunities. |
580 | |||
| 38 |
DRF Stiftung Luftrettung gemeinnützige AGdrf-luftrettung.de
The company provides emergency medical air transport services, responding to over 40,000 life-saving missions annually with helicopters and ambulances, prioritizing safety and medical excellence |
578 | |||
| 39 |
Rheinische Fachhochschule Kölnrh-koeln.de
Private university offering practical Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in engineering, media, healthcare, business, law, and management with strong industry ties. |
551 | |||
| 40 |
EDEKA Südbayern Handels Stiftung & Co. KGverbund.edeka
Regional food retailer, offering jobs and training, supplying markets in Southern Bavaria, including self-operated stores and independent retailers. |
539 | |||
| 41 |
Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel (EvKB) | Krankenhaus Maraevkb.de
A leading healthcare institution in NRW with 1,755 beds, over 5,000 employees, and serving 170,000 patients annually across 30 clinics and institutes |
517 | |||
| 42 |
Stiftung Liebenaustiftung-liebenau.de
The company focuses on providing support to individuals and employees, offering various benefits like training programs, health initiatives, and flexible work arrangements for work-life balance |
501 | |||
| 43 |
Sozialstiftung Bambergsozialstiftung-bamberg.de
A leading health and social service provider in Bavaria, ensuring high-quality care through medical, therapeutic, nursing, and support services for all ages |
456 | |||
| 44 | 455 | ||||
| 45 |
Alexander von Humboldt Foundationhumboldt-foundation.de
The company facilitates research opportunities in Germany for over 2,000 international scholars annually, with a global network of 30,000+ Humboldtians |
439 | |||
| 46 |
ias-Gruppeias-gruppe.de
A leading German company providing consulting services in workplace safety and corporate health management, independent and focused on employee development and innovative health solutions |
436 | |||
| 47 |
Hanns Seidel Foundationlinktr.ee
Dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, and development locally in Bavaria and internationally through various initiatives and programs |
433 | |||
| 48 |
Stiftung kreuznacher diakoniekreuznacherdiakonie.de
A nonprofit public foundation providing healthcare, support, and education services based on Christian values for people in need, offering various job opportunities |
419 | |||
| 49 |
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedomfreiheit.org
The foundation promotes freedom, human rights, rule of law, and democracy globally through regional offices and international dialogue programs |
415 | |||
| 50 |
Evangelische Heimstiftung GmbHev-heimstiftung.de
A leading diakonisches Pflegeunternehmen in THE LÄND with over 10,000 employees providing care for 14,760 individuals in Baden-Württemberg |
410 | |||
Turn this list into pipeline
Tamtam finds the decision-makers at every company on a list like this one, with verified emails, phone numbers and the buying signals that tell you when to reach out.
How this list is built
Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 12, 2026.
More company lists in Germany
- The largest companies in Germany 15,224
- Multinational companies in Germany 4,800
- Companies with in-house R&D in Germany 2,450
- Manufacturers in Germany 1,957
- Software Development companies in Germany 1,401
- SaaS companies in Germany 1,389
- Retail chains in Germany 1,383
- Family-owned companies in Germany 1,330
- Hardware manufacturers in Germany 1,316
- Critical infrastructure operators in Germany 1,305
- Financial services firms in Germany 1,265
- Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in Germany 1,145
- Companies with a mobile app in Germany 928
- IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Germany 911
- Corporate groups and holding companies in Germany 832
- Public sector organisations in Germany 812
- IT services companies in Germany 776
- Financial Services companies in Germany 745
- Professional services firms in Germany 690
- Logistics companies in Germany 597
- Consulting firms in Germany 584
- Automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Germany 504
- Banking companies in Germany 485
- Machinery Manufacturing companies in Germany 476
The same list elsewhere
- Foundations in the world 1,835
- Foundations in Europe 1,147