When wealth becomes a burden: Eva's Foundation helps those in need in Württemberg

When wealth becomes a burden: Eva's Foundation helps those in need in Württemberg

Managing wealth is a topic that is often associated with happiness and contentment. But the reality is different for some wealthy people. Again F.A.Z. reports, there are hardly any special offers of help for rich people, who are usually able to buy everything they need. However, it turns out that money alone does not bring happiness. We often come across cases of unhappy wealthy people who find their financial situation a burden.

An interesting model to support wealthy people who want to do good was established in Stuttgart over 20 years ago. Kai Dörfner founded Eva's Foundation, an initiative of the Evangelical Society of Stuttgart that aims to help people in need and at the same time wealthy donors. According to the foundation, donations can be made from as little as 5,000 euros, while a separate foundation fund can be set up from 25,000 euros.

The foundation goals and structures

The foundation pursues four main purposes: youth welfare, support for the homeless, social psychiatric help and aid campaigns for older people. Donors have the opportunity to determine that their funds be used “where it is most necessary.” This is done through an existing and functioning structure and support system, so that the founders do not have to deal with complex legal regulations.

The foundation has established itself as one of the largest 5% of foundations in Germany. Dörfner reports on people who have the feeling that their property has become a burden, and the foundation's work also deals with accepting simple and older apartments that are often not accepted elsewhere. Close cooperation with social department stores makes it possible to allocate renovated apartments to formerly homeless people, which represents valuable social support.

Donations and endowments

Donations of up to 20% of income are tax deductible. In addition, donations of up to one million euros can be raised by single people and two million euros by couples. Another important topic is inheritance, as the compulsory portion settlement remains due up to ten years after a gift or foundation.

The foundation has now reached a balance sheet total of over 30 million euros and was able, among other things, to build 22 new apartments in Heidenheim. The assets are managed by the Evangelische Gesellschaft Stuttgart, which obtains offers from banks and asset managers.

With around 285 supporters, Eva’s foundation has a solid network. Since its founding, numerous measures have been supported, and the number of childless heirs is steadily increasing. Without appropriate regulations, assets could flow into the state treasury without a successor. Donations during your lifetime offer a solution-oriented option for using assets sensibly.

In summary, it shows that the initiative both helps those in need and offers wealthy donors a meaningful opportunity to invest their assets in social projects. This could be seen as a way to transform money from a burden into a source of public good. Those interested can find further information about this valuable work on the website Eva’s Foundation.