Assistance/Support from the Hans and Gretchen Tiedje Foundation (Support for Children, Adolescents, and Families in Need)

The Hans and Gretchen Tiedje Foundation provides nationwide support to children, adolescents, and families in acute financial distress through direct grants. Private individuals, non-profit organizations, and public institutions can apply for assistance in the areas of children and youth, social affairs, health, education, vocational training, as well as work and social services. The foundation’s goal is to particularly relieve sick or disabled children and their caregivers by providing necessary funds to enable basic equipment (e.g., baby starter kits, children's furniture), required modifications, or a vehicle adapted for disabilities. Educational and vocational support as well as leisure and recreational measures are also eligible for funding. Applications can be submitted informally at any time; funding is continuously available.

For an approval application, proof of financial distress from an authority or institution (endorsement or social report), a detailed household expense overview with income documentation, and cost estimates for the requested purchases are required. Eligible expenses include baby starter kits, children's furniture (e.g., bed, mattress, desk, wardrobe), adapted vehicles, necessary modifications/renovations, educational and vocational support, as well as leisure and recreational measures. After reviewing the documents, the foundation provides the funds in the form of a grant to sustainably improve the daily lives of families and care facilities and to offer children a stable environment.