Stiftung Bielefelder Förderschulen

The Picciolo Foundation for Children and Youth was established on December 15, 2003, by Dr. Paolo Picciolo, a special education teacher from Bielefeld. Originally founded under the name "Bielefelder Bündnis für Sonderschülerinnen und Sonderschüler, Stiftung" and later renamed "Stiftung Bielefelder Förderschulen," it has been operating as the Picciolo Foundation for Children and Youth since 2024. The purpose of this non-profit foundation is to promote education and upbringing for children and youth with existing or impending special needs in the greater Bielefeld area. The foundation primarily supports educational measures and projects, events, as well as pedagogically justified material acquisitions at special schools, kindergartens, and increasingly also at mainstream schools. It works closely with support associations, parents, and municipal authorities and is a member of the Network of Non-Profit Foundations in Bielefeld. Donors receive a simplified donation receipt for contributions up to €300.

Our mission is to support children and young people with special educational needs in the greater Bielefeld area in their education, upbringing, and integration. We promote innovative educational projects and accompany initiatives that go beyond regular funding to enable participation and equal opportunities.

The support services are aimed at children and adolescents with existing or impending special educational needs, primarily at Bielefeld special schools and increasingly also integratively at mainstream schools. The foundation also cooperates with support associations, parent initiatives, and educational institutions to implement sustainable and individually tailored support measures.