Max und Ingeburg Herz Stiftung

The Max and Ingeburg Herz Foundation is a non-profit foundation based in Hamburg, legally recognized under the provisions of the German Civil Code and the Hamburg Foundation Act. Founded at the end of 1997 by Ingeburg Herz on the basis of the entrepreneurial commitment of Max and Ingeburg Herz, the foundation pursues two main funding areas: firstly, geriatric medicine with the aim of improving the quality of life and independence of elderly people in Germany; secondly, supporting smallholder coffee farmers in Ethiopia and Uganda to strengthen their economic prospects. The foundation focuses its funding on practice-oriented projects, scientific research, awarding of grants, and the development of long-term effective initiatives.

The Max and Ingeburg Herz Foundation believes in the responsibility of entrepreneurial action toward people, the environment, and social conditions. At the center is the individual: we support projects that enable older people to live self-determined lives and strengthen smallholder coffee farmers worldwide through sustainable development measures. Our actions are characterized by care, respect, impact, and a long-term perspective.

The foundation targets, on the one hand, scientists, institutions, and practical facilities in the field of geriatric medicine who conduct practice-oriented and preventive research and implementation projects aimed at improving the quality of life of people aged 60 and over. On the other hand, it supports micro-producers in the coffee sector in Ethiopia and Uganda to strengthen their income, social conditions, and climate resilience. Funding applications for the annual Geriatrics Award can be submitted until January 31 of each year.