Introducing the Friedrich Baur Foundation – Dedicated to People and the Region

Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Burgkunstadt, the foundation was established by Friedrich Baur. He and his wife Kathi had no children, but they wanted their legacy to live on. As strong supporters of research, the arts, and sports, it was a genuine priority for the company’s founder and his wife that the nonprofit foundation be active in these areas. Thus, she became the sole heir to Baur’s entire estate and today serves as the majority shareholder of Baur Versand GmbH & Co. KG.

The foundation’s goals were clearly defined: to promote research and improve patient care at the medical faculty of Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU); with a particular focus on research into spinal poliomyelitis, as Baur’s wife Kathi was herself affected by the disease. Furthermore, the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts was to be supported.

Endowed with an initial capital of 10,000 DM and a grant of 250,000 DM, the foundation’s assets grew considerably over the years. Friedrich and Kathi Baur wanted to ensure that their company did not fall into the wrong hands. “Under no circumstances should outside capital interests come to dominate the company and thereby push customer service aside in favor of an excessive pursuit of profit,” was their clear statement. The goal was to secure the future of Baur-Versand and guide the company into the future. Based on these considerations and increasingly difficult market conditions, the foundation sought out a strong partner in 1997: the Otto Group. The Otto Group acquired 49 percent of Baur Versand GmbH & Co. KG and assumed operational management of the mail-order business. The foundation, however, continues to hold the majority stake in Baur Versand at 51 percent, as well as holdings and several subsidiaries that are subordinate to Friedrich-Baur-GmbH.

In 2015 and 2016, the research facilities were expanded once again. As mentioned above, the focus is on treating patients with neuromuscular disorders through research, collaboration with European and international partners and networks—such as the benni & Co e.V. patient support group—as well as innovative therapy and care concepts. The Institute has enshrined a patient-centered approach in its mission statement. Patients are to be viewed as responsible partners; their dignity, rights, and interests are to be upheld, and they are to be treated accordingly. The focus is on cooperative collaboration and a transparent exchange of information with patients, payers, physicians, patient organizations, and family members. Internally, the institute prioritizes a harmonious work environment and job security to foster a sense of identification with the institute. An important part of the institute is the Myological Laboratory | Friedrich Baur Institute for disease diagnosis and molecular research into neuromuscular disorders, which can be caused, for example, by genetic defects. Until 2017, the Friedrich Baur Research Institute for Biomaterials (FBI) | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Günter Ziegler was also operated by the Foundation. Together with BioCer Entwicklungs-GmbH, the institute developed new material composites for implants, particularly in the field of bone tissue. Further information about the Friedrich Baur Institute at LMU can be found here. Friedrich Baur Institute

It is housed in the Königsbau of the Munich Residenz. Here, too, the foundation’s objectives were already set forth in the 1948 ordinance, which is intended to “monitor the development of the arts […], promote them in any way deemed appropriate […], or make proposals for their promotion […]. It aims to provide artists with a means of livelihood and to organize related events such as lecture evenings, readings, or concerts. In addition, from 1990 to 2017, the Friedrich Baur Prize—Friedrich Baur Foundation was awarded, which was also financed by the foundation. The prize was awarded in five categories: visual arts, literature, music, performing arts, and film & media art. Since 2016, the prize money has been combined into a single award, which has been presented since 2023 as the “Friedrich Baur Gold Prize” as part of the International Hof Film Festival.

In addition to these two grants, the Friedrich Baur Foundation also owns a number of social institutions and properties.

Alongside his work as a local politician and entrepreneur, Friedrich Baur wanted to give something back to the community. Through housing construction and other real estate projects, the foundation has fulfilled this wish. What began with the construction of an employee housing complex with 54 apartments now continues to shape the region to this day through initiatives such as a nursing home, a kindergarten, and the renovation of the historic “Fünf-Wunden-Kapelle” and the Catholic parish church in Burgkunstadt. In 2023, the foundation announced the construction of the Friedrich-Baur-Atrium, featuring 33 barrier-free apartments. The purchase of the Alte Vogtei in Burgkunstadt in 2003 and the subsequent renovation and restoration work also created a cultural gathering place. With the annual “Culture Sundays” event series, culture enthusiasts can fully immerse themselves in the diverse and exciting program. Here are the upcoming events: Jobs BAUR Group - Culture Sundays at the Alte Vogtei

The Friedrich Baur Foundation is the legacy of Friedrich and Kathi Baur, which succeeds in promoting both research and culture, both seriousness and joy, and in connecting generations through its social commitment.