The Foundation for liberal politics was established in 1958 by the first President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Theodor Heuss.

The Foundation sees itself as an agent of organized liberalism. It enjoys close links with Germany's Free Democratic Party (F.D.P.) and Liberal International (LI).

The Foundation follows the ideals of its namesake Friedrich Naumann: At the beginning of the last century the Protestant theologian was a leading liberal thinker and politician in Germany. He resolutely backed the idea of civic education. Naumann believed that a functioning democracy needs politically informed and educated citizens. According to him civic education is a prerequisite for political participation and thus for democracy.

Activities at home and abroad

Along with its activities and institutions in Germany, the Foundation has numerous offices in Europe, Africa, America and Asia. Civic education is the Foundation's main activity both at home and abroad. This task is flanked by programmes enhancing international political dialogue and providing political counselling.

While the Foundation's activities in the field of civic education consist of seminars, conferences and publications aimed at promoting liberal values and principles, the international political dialogue provides a discussion forum for a wide range of liberal issues. The Foundation's counselling programmes focus on candidates for political office, liberal political parties and other democratic organizations.