The Association of German Foundations represents the interests of foundations in Germany vis-à-vis the public, governmental bodies and administration.

The Association of German Foundations is committed to enabling foundations to implement and realise their work and objectives more effectively, now and in the future. This includes efforts to improve the general conditions of foundation law and foundation tax law, and to foster a foundation-friendly climate. By remaining in constant contact with public decision makers and opinion formers, as well as through statements and proposals/motions, the Association incorporates practice-oriented expertise into political decision-making processes and public reporting obligations.

Through the diversity of its events, the Association facilitates dialogue, and in particular the exchange of experience as well as the networking of foundations amongst their peers. In its role as the centre of excellence for German foundations, the Association collects information – for example within the German foundation database and the library of German foundations – and  presents this in publications and uses the data in scientific investigations.

For the Association, being the overarching umbrella organisation for the non-profit German foundation sector also means - alongside representing interests "to the outside world" - supporting foundations with their specific issues and challenges. In addition to providing individual advice, the Association's member services also include print and electronic communications, the agreement of numerous discount contracts for foundations with commercial service providers (sponsoring partners), as well as an array of training courses.

At the European level, the Association cooperates with other national foundation associations, as well as with the European Foundation Centre (EFC).

Through its work, the Association of German Foundations aims at supporting the continued development of the foundation sector as a whole, as well as raising public awareness about the importance of foundations in a modern civil society.

The more foundations and foundation administrations join forces in the Association of German Foundations, the better the opportunities are in nurturing the foundation spirit and increasing the interaction of foundations in Germany, thereby successfully advocating foundations' interests.