Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), founded in 1925, is the oldest political foundation in Germany. Political foundations are a very German concept: there are six in all, each one affiliated to one of the six biggest parties. They are an important part of German political culture and aim at promoting the public good by fostering political education and debate, as well as though political consultation in Germany and abroad.

The FES is a private and non-profit institution committed to the values of social democracy, freedom, solidarity and social justice. It promotes these values with programmes to enhance political education, international cooperation, a scholarship programme, research and consulting.