All activities of the Freudenberg Foundation are reactions to the problem of social discrimination and a lack of recognition. In most cases attention is focused on children and adolescents. One objective of the Freudenberg Foundation is to promote the social, linguistic, educational and occupational integration of the next generation. Based on past experience, this calls for a broad approach that includes the families, personal environment as well as the institutions providing assistance and jobs. The Freudenberg Foundation is active particularly in towns that, together with civil society, assume local responsibility for the difficult task of integrating immigrant children, defending and promoting democratic culture, and ensuring that young people attain job qualifications.

In its program areas, the Freudenberg Foundation responds to the lack of innovation shown by government or municipal programs. On the one hand, it strives to use scientific research to find and develop practical modes of action; on the other hand, it endeavors to gain political relevance for the experiences gained in such practical programs with the help of researchers. When such practical models have proven their worth – usually in a local context – the foundation tries to ensure that they are sustained and disseminated. Yet, it goes without saying that it cannot handle such an immense task on its own. Thus, from the beginning, the Freudenberg Foundation has been working together with government offices and above all with other foundations.