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Giving in Germany: Toward Systematic Information on a Fragmented Nonprofit Sector

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The Palgrave Handbook of Global Philanthropy

Abstract

The historic development of the nonprofit sector in Germany can be traced from antiquity to after German reunification (for a more detailed German version of this history see Helmig & Boenigk, 2012, or for an extensive English version of more recent history, see Anheier & Seibel, 2001). Already in Greco-Roman antiquity (about 1400 BC-600 AC) educational and social foundations existed, and the first sport clubs and museums were established (Bolkestein, 1939; Diem, 1960; Pomian, 1988; Vieregg, 2008). However, these organizations were closely related to the religious beliefs and government of the era, thus serving to worship the gods and heroes and to display sacrificial offerings (Bolkestein, 1939; Helmig & Boenigk, 2012). The rise of Christianity changed this religious influence on nonprofit activities only to a small degree. Even though the newly founded ‘Diakonie’ based its activities on fraternity and helping those in need, the strong influence of government and church remained (Bauer, 1999). At the end of the 4th century, the religious nonprofit Diakonie was used as an instrument by the government to take care of the poor and avoid any uprisings or riots (Flierl, 1992).

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Authors
  1. Marius Mews
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  2. Silke Boenigk
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands

    Pamala Wiepking (Assistant Professor) (Assistant Professor)

  2. School of Social Policy and Practice, University of Pennsylvania, USA

    Femida Handy (Professor) (Professor)

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© 2015 Marius Mews and Silke Boenigk

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Mews, M., Boenigk, S. (2015). Giving in Germany: Toward Systematic Information on a Fragmented Nonprofit Sector. In: Wiepking, P., Handy, F. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Global Philanthropy. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137341532_11

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