This, for Germany, unique research institute was initiated by the ZEIT-Stiftung Ebelin und Gerd Bucerius. The Institute for Foundation Law and the Law of Non-Profit Organizations emphasizes the character of Bucerius Law School as the product of a private foundation’s initiative.
The Institute sees a part of its responsibility as stimulating developments in the law for charitable entities in Germany and Europe. Above and beyond its academic activities, the Institute views itself as an independent think-tank.
Its main fields of research are law of foundations, associations and charitable corporations. The Institute has published a journal series every year since May 2002, the Non-Profit-Law Yearbook. This yearbook is a compilation of academic articles, supplemented by an annual report covering developments in Non-Profit-Law in the areas of legislation, legal precedents and literature.
Each year, the Institute organizes the "Hamburger Tagen zum Stiftungs- und Non-Profit-Recht", targeting lawyers, tax specialists and Non-Profit practitioners, who are interested in quality continuing and further education. In addition, every two years, it arranges academic symposia with international lecturers and participants.
Bucerius Law School students may also take elective courses offered by the Institute. Furthermore, qualified young academicians can do their doctoral studies at the Institute.
The Institute is a member of the International Society for Third-Sector Research (ISTR).
