In an ideal world, the protection of women and children from domestic violence would, of course, be guaranteed by state funding. The Istanbul Convention, which Germany has ratified, requires the provision of sufficient resources for a comprehensive support system for victims of domestic violence. However, the reality paints a different picture: Women's shelters and counseling centers often have to raise additional funds to be able to fulfill their day-to-day tasks. In Germany, the situation is particularly complex: Due to the federal system with distributed responsibilities and financial resources, states, municipalities, and sometimes even the federal government share the funding of women's shelters. This division often leads to inadequate and inconsistent financing models. The majority of women's shelters and counseling centers therefore rely on additional funding, especially donations, to cover their basic operating costs and ensure necessary services such as psychological support, legal advice, or childcare, among others. This dependence on donations complicates long-term planning, increases uncertainty for the women and children affected, and places an additional burden on the organizations.
Fundraising is vital for women's shelters and counseling centers. It includes strategic planning, identifying and approaching potential supporters, and maintaining long-term relationships. Public relations and fundraising are inextricably linked. Effective public relations raises awareness of the important work, builds trust in the organization, and motivates people to get involved – whether through donations or volunteering.
This expert information is designed to support women's shelters and counseling centers in this challenging task. With valuable tips and best-practice examples, we aim to guide you in organizing fundraising and public relations work efficiently and sustainably. The articles in this issue show you how to structure your fundraising activities and make them more successful. Our articles also provide practical tips for optimizing your public relations work and communicating your messages more effectively.
The FHK technical information is available for free download below.
Quality recommendations
Current women's shelter statistics
