Viessmann Foundation
Viessmann Generations Group blends entrepreneurship with deep philanthropic commitment. Through the Viessmann Foundation and family-led initiatives, we invest in science, climate action, education, arts, and social welfare - strengthening the pillars of a livable future. Every initiative reflects our enduring mission: to empower generations, advance human potential, and safeguard our planet.
We focus on three high-impact areas, partnering with exceptional organizations:
Philanthropy for Future Generations
Climate Action
Health
Education & poverty alleviation
disaster relief
The foundation also intervenes in disaster relief, especially in areas close to our historic operations where we share a co-responsibility for the local communities. We have intervened for example, for the earthquake relief in Turkey, and we provided support in Ukraine. We work closely with trusted partners like UNICEF, Save the Children, and Aktion Deutschland Hilft to ensure resources reach those who need them most.
Through this work, we aim to create lasting, systemic change - and build a world worth inheriting.
Climate Action
Climate Education: "Klimawandel verstehen und handeln"
To empower the next generation, we support this STEM-based program run by the German Physical Society since 2021. Students use hands-on “climate kits” (Klimakoffer) to better understand the science behind global warming - and what they can do about it.
Klimaneutrales Waldeck-Frankenberg
In 2022, we co-founded the non-profit initiative “Klimaneutrales Waldeck-Frankenberg e.V.” to make our historic home region climate-neutral. It brings together businesses, farmers, utilities, and civic groups to drive local transformation towards climate neutrality.
Health
Vitovent 200-P Air Purifiers
In 2021, we donated 50 air purifiers to healthcare and social institutions, including Berlin's Immanuel Hospital and the Frankenberger Tafel, to reduce COVID-19 transmission during the pandemic.
Frankfurter Stiftung für krebskranke Kinder
We have donated €470,000 to advance pediatric cancer research and support the foundation’s unique RCCL cell bank, offering global hope for new treatments.
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Deutsches Krebsforschungs- zentrum (DKFZ)
In 2025, we committed €5.6 million to support DKFZ’s research in pediatric oncology drug development and the role of nutrition in cancer prevention over a period of 5 years. This builds on our previous commitment to the organization, which has included regular support over the years, most notably a single donation of €500,000 to help establish a dedicated laboratory at the National Cancer Prevention Center in Heidelberg, focused on sustainable nutrition and cancer prevention.
Education & Poverty Alleviation
Global Local Giving
€2 million was distributed to Viessmann national companies worldwide in 2022 to support trusted local charities - from St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research (Austria) to Habitat for Humanity (Canada) and Fundación Tomillo (Spain). All projects align with our mission to build sustainable living spheres for future generations.
Viessmann Provides Warmth
We support the Berlin City Mission and other partners to help the homeless through the winter. Our initiative provides warm shelter, clothing, and creative “heat solutions” for those in need.
Ukraine Emergency Response
In response to the war in Ukraine, we provided €5 million in humanitarian aid in 2022. This included immediate relief, long-term support for education and infrastructure, and funding for local NGOs across Europe. Key partners included UNICEF, Save the Children, and Aktion Deutschland Hilft.
Earthquake Relief in Turkey
Following the devastating earthquake in February 2023, we doubled employee donations - raising €100,000 in total for Save the Children and UNICEF to support urgent recovery efforts.
Save the Children Emergency Fund
We regularly support Save the Children’s global emergency relief efforts, with contributions including a €128,000 donation for children affected by conflict, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises.
UNICEF Malawi
In 2020, we donated €250,000 to support children’s education in Malawi and help UNICEF expand cold-chain storage for global vaccine distribution, advancing public health and learning at the same time.
Endowed Chairs & Research Hubs
We support sustainability research through several academic partnerships
Einstein Center Digital Future
We supported the Einstein Center Digital Future in Berlin in 2017, a €38.5 million joint initiative funded by various partners to develop digital solutions for future generations.
Viessmann chair for renewable energy
At University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh (USA) our Viessmann Chair for Renewable Energy supports research in biogas and pollution reduction. Students and Viessmann employees engage through joint sustainability programs.
Veris
Our Viessmann Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability (VERiS). affiliated with Wilfrid Laurier University (Ontario) Canada, focuses on sustainable buildings, community development, and green innovation via evolvGREEN.
We4Kids / PETRA Study
We donated €50,000 to support the PETRA research project, aimed at improving the protection and well-being of children in foster care. The study ensures that interventions are both effective and sensitive.
Science4Life Venture Cup
In partnership with the State of Hesse, we sponsored special awards in the Science4Life Venture Cup from 2017 to 2024. The competition promotes innovation in energy generation, storage, and use.
Related Foundations
Viessmann Stiftung Battenberg
The Viessmann Stiftung Battenberg supports projects in science, education, healthcare, culture, heritage, nature conservation, and social welfare, primarily in the Battenberg region.
Hans Viessmann Technologie Stiftung
The foundation supports the advancement of engineering and natural sciences, with a particular focus on technology. Its key areas include research in building services, refrigeration technology, and thermal insulation. In addition, the foundation promotes academic and professional education in these specialized fields.
Dr. Hans Vießmann Stiftung
The foundation is dedicated to the promotion of culture, in particular the preservation of historical monuments, as well as to education and science. Additionally, it pursues social objectives, especially in the areas of child, youth, and elderly welfare. Its activities are primarily focused on the city and region of Hof.
