# Top 50 foundations in Germany

Tamtam tracks 97 foundations headquartered in Germany. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by ZF Group, ZEISS Group and MAHLE. Their median headcount is 1,001. Half of them were founded in 1931 or later. The most common headquarters are Berlin (3), Bonn (3) and Munich (3).

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.

🇩🇪 Germany · 50 companies · Updated Nov 12, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [ZF Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zf-group) (zf.com)<br>Supplies advanced mobility products and systems for cars, commercial vehicles, and industrial technology, electrifying various vehicle types to reduce emissions, protect climate, and enhance safe mobility. | Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Friedrichshafen | 61,603 | 1915 |
| 2 | [ZEISS Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zeiss-group) (zeiss.it)<br>An internationally leading technology enterprise in optics and optoelectronics, with diverse segments and global operations employing over 43,000 employees | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Oberkochen | 26,018 | 1846 |
| 3 | [MAHLE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mahle) (mahle.com)<br>A global development partner and supplier to the automotive industry, focusing on climate-neutral mobility with a strong emphasis on electrification and thermal management | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Stuttgart | 25,666 | 1920 |
| 4 | [Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bertelsmann-se-and-co-kgaa) (wonderl.ink)<br>A global media, services, and education company with diverse subsidiaries, generating billions in revenue and striving for climate neutrality by 2030 | Media Production | 🇩🇪 Gütersloh | 20,799 |  |
| 5 | [SCHOTT](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/schott) (schott.com)<br>A pioneering manufacturer of high-tech materials for specialty glass, committed to responsibility, innovation, and sustainability across various industries globally | Glass, Ceramics and Concrete Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Mainz | 17,000 | 1884 |
| 6 | [Otto Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/otto-group) (ottogroup.com)<br>A globally active retail and services group with diverse product assortments, strong online presence, and strategic partnerships for market success | Retail | 🇩🇪 Hamburg | 9,448 | 1949 |
| 7 | [Deichmann](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/deichmann) (deichmann-karriere.de)<br>A leading shoe retail company with over 4,200 stores in 31 countries, offering career opportunities, training courses, and international development programs | Retail | 🇩🇪 Essen | 5,881 | 1913 |
| 8 | [Zeppelin Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/zeppelin-group) (zeppelin.com)<br>A global group offering construction, engineering, energy systems, and plant solutions, with expertise in machinery distribution, rentals, and digital capabilities | Construction | 🇩🇪 Garching bei München | 4,298 | 1950 |
| 9 | [SRH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/srh) (srh.de)<br>Provider of education services with 9 universities, schools, vocational schools, and professional rehabilitation centers, along with healthcare services in 10 hospitals and clinics | Funds and Trusts | 🇩🇪 Heidelberg | 4,062 | 1966 |
| 10 | [Viessmann Generations Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/viessmann-generations-group) (viessmann.group)<br>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. | Holding Companies | 🇩🇪 Munich | 3,345 |  |
| 11 | [Wilo Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wilo-group) (cms.media.wilo.com)<br>Development and provision of sustainable, intelligent water management solutions for building services, industry, and global water challenges worldwide. | Machinery Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Dortmund | 2,709 | 1872 |
| 12 | [WALA](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/wala-boll) (wala.world)<br>A company committed to exploring the healing power of nature through healthcare products and natural cosmetics, prioritizing sustainability and employee well-being | Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Bad Boll | 2,605 | 1935 |
| 13 | [Alexianer GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/alexianer-gmbh) (wonderl.ink)<br>A leading Catholic healthcare and social services company operating nationwide, providing medical care, senior, youth, and integration services, guided by a centuries-old tradition | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Münster | 2,559 | 1209 |
| 14 | [FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fom-university-of-applied-sciences-for-economics-and-management) (fom.de)<br>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 | Higher Education | 🇩🇪 Essen | 2,514 |  |
| 15 | [Mall GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mall-gmbh) (mall.info)<br>For over five decades, the company has specialized in providing solutions for construction projects and environmental technologies, including renewable energy products | Climate Technology Product Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Donaueschingen | 2,438 | 1952 |
| 16 | [Fresenius Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fresenius-group) (fresenius.com)<br>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 | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Bad Homburg | 2,092 | 1912 |
| 17 | [ADAC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/adac) (adac.de)<br>A membership-based mobility service provider with a 3-pillar structure focusing on member services, commercial activities, and non-profit initiatives Dedicated to employee and member satisfaction | Consumer Services | 🇩🇪 Munich | 1,714 | 1903 |
| 18 | [v. Bodelschwinghsche Stiftungen Bethel](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/v-bodelschwinghsche-stiftungen-bethel) (bethel.de)<br>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 | Health and Human Services | 🇩🇪 Bielefeld | 1,667 | 1867 |
| 19 | [Diehl Defence](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/diehl-defence) (new.diehl.com)<br>Develops and produces guided missiles and ammunition for military forces. Provides advanced ground-based air defence solutions along with reconnaissance and monitoring systems. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Uberlingen | 1,471 |  |
| 20 | [Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/konrad-adenauer-stiftung) (kas.de)<br>Political foundation promoting peace, freedom, justice through education, counseling, supporting democracy, international dialogue, governance, and cooperation worldwide. | Political Organizations | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 1,390 | 1964 |
| 21 | [Hirschvogel Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hirschvogel-group) (hirschvogel.com)<br>A leading automotive supplier specializing in steel and aluminum forging and machining, serving global automotive manufacturers and suppliers with innovative solutions | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Denklingen | 1,377 | 1938 |
| 22 | [Diehl Aviation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/diehl-aviation) (diehl.com)<br>Development and provision of innovative aviation technologies focused on enhancing travel comfort, safety, resource efficiency, and future mobility solutions. | Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Nuremberg | 1,374 | 1902 |
| 23 | [Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/friedrich-ebert-stiftung) (fes.de)<br>A non-profit organization promoting democracy, education, international cooperation, and social responsibility through political education, consulting, scholarships, and publications | Think Tanks | 🇩🇪 Bonn | 1,327 | 1925 |
| 24 | [CHT Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/cht-group) (cht.com)<br>Formulates and produces sustainable specialty chemicals that enhance industrial processes and improve the functionality, appearance, and quality of consumer end-products across diverse industries. | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Tübingen | 1,070 | 1953 |
| 25 | [Dorsch Gruppe](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dorsch-gruppe) (dorsch.com)<br>An innovative consulting and engineering partner with a focus on transport, water, architecture, energy, and industry projects globally | Architecture and Planning | 🇩🇪 Frankfurt | 1,001 | 1951 |
| 26 | [Universität zu Lübeck](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/universitat-zu-lubeck) (uni-luebeck.de)<br>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 | Higher Education | 🇩🇪 Lübeck | 978 | 1964 |
| 27 | [Schwarz Produktion](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/schwarz-produktion) (schwarz-produktion.com)<br>Leading German food producer specializing in recycling for retail, delivering food, sustainable materials, and packaging with a focus on quality and sustainability | Food and Beverage Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Weißenfels | 770 | 1998 |
| 28 | [Diehl Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/diehl-group) (diehl.com)<br>Family-operated global group providing metal processing, defense equipment, aviation technology, home appliances, and metering solutions with sustainability focus. | Industrial Machinery Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Nuremberg | 759 | 1902 |
| 29 | [Robert Bosch Hospital](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/robert-bosch-hospital) (rbk.de)<br>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 | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Stuttgart | 736 |  |
| 30 | [Stiftung Universität Hildesheim](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stiftung-universitat-hildesheim) (uni-hildesheim.de)<br>A university in Hildesheim offers a personalized atmosphere for studying selected scientific fields with a strong focus on practical relevance and individual support | Research Services | 🇩🇪 Hildesheim | 727 | 2003 |
| 31 | [VOSS Automotive](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/voss-automotive) (voss.net)<br>Specializing in efficient system solutions for commercial vehicles and passenger cars, VOSS Automotive optimizes tube and connection technology for current and future vehicle systems | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Wipperfürth | 723 | 1931 |
| 32 | [Marienhaus-Gruppe](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/marienhaus-gruppe) (marienhaus.de)<br>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 | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Waldbreitbach | 702 | 1903 |
| 33 | [Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/heinrich-boll-stiftung) (boell.de)<br>The company is dedicated to fostering democracy, human rights, environmental protection, gender equality, conflict prevention, and individual freedoms through global initiatives and partnerships | Think Tanks | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 632 |  |
| 34 | [Central Institute of Mental Health](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/central-institute-of-mental-health) (zi-mannheim.de)<br>Internationally renowned research institute and psychiatric treatment facility in Mannheim, Germany, also serving as an institute of higher learning and major local employer | Mental Health Care | 🇩🇪 Mannheim | 613 | 1975 |
| 35 | [Georg-August-Universität Göttingen](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/georg-august-universitat-gottingen) (uni-goettingen.de)<br>A renowned research university founded in 1737, offering diverse fields of study and exceptional resources in science, emphasizing research-based teaching | Research Services | 🇩🇪 Göttingen | 609 | 1737 |
| 36 | [WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/whu-otto-beisheim-school-of-management) (whu.edu)<br>A leading Business School in Germany offering Bachelor, Master, MBA, and Executive MBA programs, as well as customized management programs | Higher Education | 🇩🇪 Vallendar | 607 | 1984 |
| 37 | [Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/studienstiftung-des-deutschen-volkes) (studienstiftung.de)<br>This organization is Germany's oldest and largest scholarship foundation, dedicated to supporting talented students through various funding programs and educational opportunities. | Higher Education | 🇩🇪 Bonn | 580 | 1925 |
| 38 | [DRF Stiftung Luftrettung gemeinnützige AG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/drf-stiftung-luftrettung-gemeinnutzige-ag) (drf-luftrettung.de)<br>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 | Non-profit Organizations | 🇩🇪 Filderstadt | 578 | 1973 |
| 39 | [Rheinische Fachhochschule Köln](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rheinische-fachhochschule-koln) (rh-koeln.de)<br>Private university offering practical Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in engineering, media, healthcare, business, law, and management with strong industry ties. | Higher Education | 🇩🇪 Cologne | 551 |  |
| 40 | [EDEKA Südbayern Handels Stiftung & Co. KG](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/edeka-sudbayern-handels-stiftung-and-co-kg) (verbund.edeka)<br>Regional food retailer, offering jobs and training, supplying markets in Southern Bavaria, including self-operated stores and independent retailers. | Wholesale | 🇩🇪 Gaimersheim | 539 | 1919 |
| 41 | [Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel (EvKB) \| Krankenhaus Mara](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/evangelisches-klinikum-bethel-evkb-krankenhaus-mara) (evkb.de)<br>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 | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Bielefeld | 517 | 1867 |
| 42 | [Stiftung Liebenau](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stiftung-liebenau) (stiftung-liebenau.de)<br>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 | Civic and Social Organizations | 🇩🇪 Meckenbeuren | 501 | 1870 |
| 43 | [Sozialstiftung Bamberg](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sozialstiftung-bamberg) (sozialstiftung-bamberg.de)<br>A leading health and social service provider in Bavaria, ensuring high-quality care through medical, therapeutic, nursing, and support services for all ages | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Bamberg | 456 |  |
| 44 | [Sedus](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/sedus) (sedus.com)<br>Design and manufacture ergonomic, aesthetic office furniture and space planning solutions for various office environments, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. | Furniture and Home Furnishings Manufacturing | 🇩🇪 Dogern | 455 | 1871 |
| 45 | [Alexander von Humboldt Foundation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/alexander-von-humboldt-foundation) (humboldt-foundation.de)<br>The company facilitates research opportunities in Germany for over 2,000 international scholars annually, with a global network of 30,000+ Humboldtians | Civic and Social Organizations | 🇩🇪 Bonn | 439 | 1953 |
| 46 | [ias-Gruppe](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ias-gruppe) (ias-gruppe.de)<br>A leading German company providing consulting services in workplace safety and corporate health management, independent and focused on employee development and innovative health solutions | Health and Human Services | 🇩🇪 Berlin | 436 |  |
| 47 | [Hanns Seidel Foundation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hanns-seidel-foundation) (linktr.ee)<br>Dedicated to promoting democracy, peace, and development locally in Bavaria and internationally through various initiatives and programs | Non-profit Organizations | 🇩🇪 Munich | 433 | 1967 |
| 48 | [Stiftung kreuznacher diakonie](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/stiftung-kreuznacher-diakonie) (kreuznacherdiakonie.de)<br>A nonprofit public foundation providing healthcare, support, and education services based on Christian values for people in need, offering various job opportunities | Civic and Social Organizations | 🇩🇪 Bad Kreuznach | 419 |  |
| 49 | [Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/friedrich-naumann-foundation-for-freedom) (freiheit.org)<br>The foundation promotes freedom, human rights, rule of law, and democracy globally through regional offices and international dialogue programs | Political Organizations | 🇩🇪 Potsdam | 415 | 1958 |
| 50 | [Evangelische Heimstiftung GmbH](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/evangelische-heimstiftung-gmbh) (ev-heimstiftung.de)<br>A leading diakonisches Pflegeunternehmen in THE LÄND with over 10,000 employees providing care for 14,760 individuals in Baden-Württemberg | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇩🇪 Stuttgart | 410 | 1952 |

## 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](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/largest-companies-germany) (15,224)
- [Multinational companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/multinational-companies-germany) (4,800)
- [Companies with in-house R&D in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-germany) (2,450)
- [Manufacturers in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/manufacturers-germany) (1,957)
- [Software Development companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/software-development-companies-germany) (1,401)
- [SaaS companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/saas-companies-germany) (1,389)
- [Retail chains in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/retail-chains-germany) (1,383)
- [Family-owned companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/family-owned-companies-germany) (1,330)
- [Hardware manufacturers in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/hardware-companies-germany) (1,316)
- [Critical infrastructure operators in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/critical-infrastructure-operators-germany) (1,305)
- [Financial services firms in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-firms-germany) (1,265)
- [Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/transportation-logistics-supply-chain-and-storage-companies-germany) (1,145)
- [Companies with a mobile app in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/companies-with-mobile-app-germany) (928)
- [IT Services and IT Consulting companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-and-it-consulting-companies-germany) (911)
- [Corporate groups and holding companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/holding-companies-germany) (832)
- [Public sector organisations in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/public-sector-organisations-germany) (812)
- [IT services companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/it-services-companies-germany) (776)
- [Financial Services companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/financial-services-companies-germany) (745)
- [Professional services firms in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/professional-services-firms-germany) (690)
- [Logistics companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/logistics-companies-germany) (597)
- [Consulting firms in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/consulting-firms-germany) (584)
- [Automotive manufacturers and suppliers in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/automotive-companies-germany) (504)
- [Banking companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/banking-companies-germany) (485)
- [Machinery Manufacturing companies in Germany](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/machinery-manufacturing-companies-germany) (476)

## The same list elsewhere

- [Foundations in the world](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/foundations-in-the-world) (1,835)
- [Foundations in Europe](https://www.tamtam.ai/l/foundations-in-europe) (1,147)

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/foundations-germany