Koepjohann'sche Stiftung

The Koepjohann'sche Stiftung, founded in 1792 by the Berlin shipbuilder and entrepreneur Johann Friedrich Koepjohann, is one of the oldest and most renowned foundations in Berlin. With a rich history spanning over 230 years, the foundation has always dedicated itself to the welfare of the needy.

The foundation operates a variety of social facilities focused on supporting families, particularly women and children in problematic life situations. The offerings include, among others:

• A senior meeting place where older people not only receive meals but also support in dealing with modern technologies like mobile phones.
• Various social facilities tailored to the specific needs of the community[1][5].

The main mission of the Koepjohann'sche Stiftung lies in the support and care of widows and orphans, a tradition that has been continued since its founding. The founder Johann Friedrich Koepjohann aimed to help the poor and needy, especially those who lost their providers due to the revolutionary wars of the 18th century. Today, the foundation has expanded its focus to support families and individuals in social hotspots[3][4].

The foundation has managed to survive the turbulence of the 20th century through the far-sighted decisions of its founder. A central aspect was the foundation's connection to the church and the stipulation that the buildings and properties may never be sold, except for the preservation of the foundation's assets. This strategy enabled the foundation to overcome hyperinflation, currency reforms, and even attempts at expropriation in the GDR[1].

Today, the foundation has extended its commitment to the entire district of Mitte, including the neighborhoods of Moabit and Wedding, to operate in areas with real social hotspots. This step was made possible by gentrification in its original foundation area, where the original target groups gradually decreased[1].

The Koepjohann'sche Stiftung has successfully completed its learning curve and adapted to the changing social conditions. By expanding its foundation area and diversifying its facilities and projects, the foundation remains an important part of the social network in Berlin. Its work is a living example of the connection between historical tradition and modern social responsibility.

• 1 - https://www.stiftungen.org/themen/impuls/zum-wohle-der-witwen-und-waisen-neu-interpretiert.html
• 2 - https://www.koepjohann.de/ueber-uns
• 3 - https://www.koepjohann.de
• 4 - https://www.betterplace.org/de/organisations/21569-koepjohann-sche-stiftung
• 5 - https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/bezirke/stiftung-in-berlin-mitte-mit-vollen-segeln-und-handen-9060163.html