Based in Augsburg, the Fürstlich und Gräflich Fuggersche Stiftungen is an administration of nine legally independent foundations that have continued operating since the 16th century. Its best-known foundation, the Fuggerei, was established in 1521 by Jakob Fugger and his brothers to provide housing for Augsburg residents in need. The foundations’ administration is located at Fuggerei 56, Augsburg. 123
The foundations were created to serve several purposes: providing housing and medical care, supporting religious institutions in Augsburg, and assisting people from Fugger family estates. The original 1521 endowment linked the Fuggerei with the Fugger Chapel at St. Anna and support for a preaching post at St. Moritz; other foundations were added during the 16th century. 11113 The portfolio also includes the Waltenhausen infirmary and foundations established by Fugger associates, including Veit Hörl, Dr. Simon Scheibenhart and Dr. Johannes Mylius. Some of these later endowments now have inactive or re-designated purposes. 11213
The family’s Familienseniorat serves as the foundations’ honorary governing body, making decisions independently of the family’s own assets; an administrator implements them. The current administrator is Dr. Daniel Hobohm. 21014 The foundations are self-financing: the administration reports that revenue currently comes from forestry, property outside the Fuggerei and visitor admissions. 7
Their work is centred on Augsburg and the historic Fugger estates, with the Fuggerei as the principal public-facing institution. 1212 The foundations’ documented origins date to 1521, the year the Fuggerei was founded. 23