View of St. Gereon's Cathedral in CologneView of St. Gereon's Cathedral in CologneView of St. Gereon's Cathedral in Cologne

Commitment

Local Responsibility: Rooted in Cologne for 200 Years

Klosterfrau has been closely connected to the city of Cologne for 200 years. This deep bond is reflected in our extensive social engagement in the fields of art, culture, and community. Taking local responsibility is one of our core values and follows the example of our founder, Maria Clementine Martin, who helped those in need during her lifetime.

As a traditional Cologne company, we have always been committed to supporting our hometown and society. Our engagement is as diverse as the needs of the city, ranging from helping homeless people to promoting art and culture and preserving historical treasures.

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University and City Library (USB) — Book Sponsorships

The University and City Library of Cologne preserves a significant historical treasure: the Ferdinand Franz Wallraf Library. Ferdinand Franz Wallraf, the last freely elected rector of the former University of Cologne, left behind a collection of over 1,000 historical books in urgent need of restoration.

As a sponsor of historic medical books and botanical compendiums, Klosterfrau supports this important task. The initiative began with a 1585 herbal book by Castore Durante, a hand-colored work by the botanist and personal physician of Pope Sixtus V, which symbolizes the connection between our current mission and the centuries-old tradition of herbal medicine.

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Arche für Obdachlose

Founded in 2021, the association provides sustainable support for homeless individuals in Cologne. At the "MülHEIMer Arche" center, people in need receive warm meals, medical care, and counseling from social workers.

Klosterfrau supports the Arche with regular donations and targeted initiatives. During our annual Christmas campaign, "Christmas in a Shoebox," our employees collect essential items such as warm clothing and non-perishable food. We also participated in the “Giving 111 People a Home” campaign, helping to promote this important initiative.

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Kölner Tafel

The Kölner Tafel rescues surplus food from being wasted and distributes it to those in need. More than two million people across Germany rely on such support, and demand continues to grow.

Together with other Cologne companies, Klosterfrau helped fund the purchase of a refrigerated truck that now drives across North Rhine-Westphalia displaying our nun logo and saving food along the way. This visible partnership reflects our motto, "We help you. Since 1826."

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Zentral-Dombau-Verein (ZDV)

Since 1842, the ZDV has been dedicated to preserving Cologne Cathedral, one of the city’s most important landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For our 200th anniversary in 2026, Klosterfrau is funding the restoration of the Helen Window in the southern transept of the cathedral as a special project. Depicting Saints Helena, Monika, Elisabeth, and Mathilde, this window is part of the World Heritage windows from 1870 to 1880. The restoration highlights the special connection between Klosterfrau and its founding city.

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Kölner Grün Stiftung

The nonprofit Foundation works to preserve and improve the city’s green spaces. Acting as a coordinator between businesses, citizens, and the administration, the foundation transforms neglected areas into Cologne’s great garden for everyone.

Klosterfrau has supported the foundation for many years with regular donations. The well-known green park benches in Cologne’s green spaces are a visible sign of this partnership. CEO Dr. Stefan Koch is also actively involved on the foundation’s board because local environmental engagement strengthens the connection between the company and its employees, as well as the connection between the company and the community.

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Freunde des Wallraf-Richartz Museum and Museum Ludwig

With around 5,000 members, the “Freunde” (Friends) are one of Germany’s largest patron associations. They support two internationally renowned museums in acquiring significant artworks and realizing exceptional exhibitions.

As a supporting member, Klosterfrau contributes to Cologne’s vibrant cultural scene. We especially support the annual Art Night, organized by the Friends' young initiatives, as one of the two main sponsors. This event makes art accessible to a wide audience and promotes cultural exchange in our city.

The Klosterfrau Group Award

Since 2001, the International Klosterfrau Group Award for Research of Airway Diseases in Childhood has been awarded annually on the initiative of Prof. Dr. med. Dr. h.c. Dietrich Reinhardt, the International Klosterfrau Group Award for Research of Airway Diseases in Childhood has been awarded annually. Valued at 30,000 euros, the prize honors scientists whose research has significantly contributed to the basic research, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood asthma.