In 2015, FIS received one of the most generous donations ever made to an international school. Drs. Hazel and Rolf-Rudiger Stroth, who were among the small group of individuals who helped to establish FIS in 1961, bequeathed approximately €26 million to the school. Over €6 million was directly applied to facility enhancements and program improvements, and the remainder was placed in a separate non-profit foundation with the sole purpose of creating an endowment to support future FIS initiatives through income derived from the invested principal.
The funds have been governed by an FIS Foundation Supervisory Board, made up of the FIS Board of Trustees; the investment management is executed by a Foundation Executive Board, a group of current and past FIS parents and administrators appointed by the Supervisory Board, who work with experienced external financial advisors.
Foundation Objectives
The Foundation Board has engaged two professional investment firms, HQ Trust, and Flossbach von Storch, to directly manage the endowment funds with a strategy to pursue investments that do not involve any undue risks but result in a steady income stream to help create new opportunities for future generations of FIS students. As other generous benefactors add to this endowment in years to come, it will remain a cornerstone of both financial stability and innovation for FIS.
Foundation and Executive Board
The Foundation Executive Board is charged with managing the Foundation with the intent of safeguarding the principal and periodically using income from investments to support the future needs and aspirations of the school. The work of this group is regularly reviewed by the FIS Board of Trustees.
The FIS Foundation was established in March 2016 as a foundation (Stiftung) under German Civil Law (Bürgerliches Recht) possessing legal capacity. It is located in Oberursel, An der Waldlust 15, as a not-for-profit organization.
Disbursement of Funds
During the 2021/2022 school year, the first disbursement of funds from the FIS Foundation was made to support four key initiatives at the school: social-emotional well-being; leadership and global citizenship; financial support for an FIS education (Tuition Reduction Program); and progressive teaching practices.
A further disbursement was made during the 2022/2023 school year to support student leadership experiences; enhance awareness and training surrounding a social and emotional learning approach to teaching and classroom management (Responsive Classroom); provide FIS employee counseling; and financial aid (Tuition Reduction Program).
The distribution of funds for the 2023/2024 has been agreed upon and approved. The five initiatives or programs to receive funding are: financial support for an FIS education; Inspire Citizens and FIS Partnership; Responsive Classroom Teacher certification; Scholar in Residence program; and Innovation.