Frequently asked questions about the LOAN Stiftung
Here we answer the most common questions about the LOAN Stiftung, our projects in Vietnam and donating.
What is the LOAN Stiftung?
The LOAN Stiftung is a legally independent, non-profit foundation under German civil law, based in Unterreichenbach (Baden-Württemberg). It has been recognised since 9 May 2016 and gives children from ethnic minorities in the remote mountain regions of northern Vietnam access to education. Its supervisory authority is the Regierungspräsidium Karlsruhe.
Why is the foundation called LOAN?
The foundation is named after Loan, the mother of its founder Isabelle Müller. In the 1930s, Loan was not allowed to go to school in Vietnam because she was a girl. Isabelle Müller set up the foundation in memory of her mother’s philosophy of life.
Where does the LOAN Stiftung help?
Its projects are in the northernmost mountain regions of Vietnam, mainly in Ha Giang province, but also in Tuyen Quang, Son La and Dien Bien. These regions are hard to reach, so only a few aid organisations work there. The foundation specifically supports children from ethnic minorities.
What kind of projects does the LOAN Stiftung carry out?
The foundation builds kindergartens, schools, boarding houses and dormitories with sanitary facilities, as well as classrooms and kitchens. It also provides learning materials, scholarships and emergency aid after floods and typhoons. You can find all projects under Projects.
How does the foundation select its projects?
Before taking on a project, the foundation forms its own detailed picture of the situation and conditions in Vietnam. It requires a transparent cost estimate for every project. This allows it to decide independently and to carry out projects quickly and directly.
How does the foundation make sure the help arrives?
The team visits the projects in person and on a regular basis. The responsible social authorities in Vietnam accompany and supervise the projects. The foundation reports on progress on the individual project pages.
How much of my donation reaches the children?
Your donation goes to the projects in full. The team works on a voluntary, unpaid basis, and the foundation covers its administrative costs privately.
How can I donate?
You can donate online using the form on the Donate page or by bank transfer: Sparkasse Pforzheim Calw, IBAN DE24 6665 0085 0008 9550 00, BIC PZHSDE66XXX. On the donation page you can also become a supporting member with regular contributions.
Is my donation tax-deductible?
Yes, donations to the LOAN Stiftung are tax-deductible in Germany. For donations of up to 200 euros, your bank statement together with the simplified donation receipt is sufficient for the German tax office. You can download the receipt on the Donate page.
Can I help when shopping online?
Yes, via WeCanHelp. When you shop at one of more than 500 partner shops, the shop pays a commission. Up to 90 percent of it can go to the LOAN Stiftung, at no extra cost to you.
Can I volunteer?
Yes. Volunteers support the foundation with translations (German, English, Vietnamese), marketing, design, press work, documentation and photography, for example. Simply write to us at info@loan-stiftung.de.
How can I stay up to date on the projects?
Our free newsletter keeps you informed about how the projects are progressing. You can unsubscribe at any time, and your data will not be passed on to third parties. The foundation also shares news on Instagram and YouTube.
How can I contact the LOAN Stiftung?
By email at info@loan-stiftung.de or via the contact form. Postal address: LOAN Stiftung, Frühlingshalde 16, 75399 Unterreichenbach, Germany.