The TOOLS FOR LIFE Foundation, founded in 2008 by Dr. Helmut Rothenberger, is a non-profit foundation based in Frankfurt am Main. It is committed worldwide - in developing countries, Germany and other regions - to enabling people to access vital resources such as clean water, renewable energy, education and climate protection.[1][2][4][7]
The core mission of the foundation is: Connecting people with essential resources to promote sustainable development. Under the motto "Help for Self-Help", TOOLS FOR LIFE not only provides material assistance, but above all strengthens intangible resources such as knowledge and craft skills. In this way, those affected learn to shape their own future independently - be it through the construction of wells, sanitary facilities or solar systems.[1][3][6] The foundation emphasizes transparency and is committed to the "Transparent Civil Society" initiative to make all relevant information publicly available.[1]
Since its foundation, TOOLS FOR LIFE has supported 94 projects and reached over 167,000 people. The main focuses include:[5][7]
Through cooperation with international aid organizations and local partners, long-term effective solutions are created.[2][3]
The foundation lives values such as personal responsibility, sustainability and connectedness ("We help to connect!"). It benefits from the close connection to the ROTHENBERGER Unternehmensgruppe, a global leader in pipe tools and environmental technology, which provides know-how, products and financial resources. ROTHENBERGER received the Goldpartner-Urkunde in 2024 for its commitment.[1][4] Other partners such as RUKO and WFL share the goal of meeting basic needs and taking ecological responsibility.[3][5]
Sustainability is central: projects are adaptable, resource-saving and climate-friendly. The foundation measures success by the ability of people to act independently - "Change the country, but without changing the country". With 1.35 million euros in donations, TOOLS FOR LIFE invests in long-lasting changes that protect the environment and society.[6][7] In the future, initiatives such as the Akademie are intended to strengthen the transition from school to crafts, also near company locations.[5]
TOOLS FOR LIFE embodies corporate responsibility and humanitarian commitment: From the idea after a plane crash of the founder, tools ("TOOLS") were created for a better life - for hundreds of thousands worldwide.[6] (2487 characters incl. spaces)
