Schöpflin Stiftung

The Schöpflin Stiftung is an independent, non-profit foundation based in Lörrach, Germany. Founded in 2001 by siblings Hans, Albert, and Heidi Schöpflin, the organization draws its roots from a family business history that began with a small general store in 1907, later expanding into a national mail-order operation. Today, the foundation’s financial resources mainly stem from Hans Schöpflin’s entrepreneurial activities in the United States. The foundation operates both locally and across Germany. It runs its own programs and offers grants to external initiatives, focusing on children, youth empowerment, socio-political engagement, and innovative forms of participation. The Villa Schöpflin opened in 2002 as a center for addiction prevention and now addresses other contemporary challenges like gambling and digital media risks. In 2011, Werkraum Schöpflin was established as a cultural and debate venue hosting theater, readings, and workshops. The Schöpflin School, opened in 2021 in Lörrach-Brombach, is a primary school with an artistic-cultural focus. Recent projects highlight the organization’s breadth. The "Fabric" initiative is piloting participatory urban planning on a local brownfield site. The foundation also co-founded the Spore Initiative, whose building received the DAM Architecture Prize 2025 for its open and welcoming design. Through its Wandelbudget, the foundation supports small, grassroots projects that foster social change, justice, and sustainability. Additionally, Schöpflin Stiftung plays an active role in promoting local climate action and strengthening democracy by supporting independent journalism and civil discourse.