Who We Are

The Joachim Herz Foundation promotes education, science, and economic and scientific research, as well as the personal development of adolescents and young adults.

Back in the early 1980s, Joachim Herz and Petra, the woman who would later become his wife, began talking about the possibility of setting up a foundation, discussing mission statements and areas of activity. In 2003, Joachim Herz wrote down these considerations as detailed instructions to be carried out in the event of his death. The Foundation’s mission statement, statutes, and inaugural Board of Trustees were all listed in his will. Just two months after his passing, the Joachim Herz Foundation was established in accordance with his wishes and using his and his wife’s assets.

On July 24, 2008, Petra Herz was joined at Hamburg City Hall by then mayor Ole von Beust as she announced the formation of the Joachim Herz Foundation, the 1,100th charitable foundation to be set up in Hamburg. Petra Herz has led the Foundation ever since in her capacity as Chairwoman of the Executive Board.