Doris and Hans Herz are the founders of the trust. They returned to Heidelberg in 1988, after an extended professional stay in the United States. Hans and Doris Herz are both interested in and dedicated to service work that strengthens the social network of the global community. Their work is guided by their strong belief that only a personal contribution to society can allow one to develop a sense of well-being within society. Their three children, two daughters and one son have internalized these beliefs in their own choices of professions; two have become physicians and the other a teacher. 

Several years ago Hans and Doris decided to start their own foundation. Their idea was to create a non-profit organization without operating costs that would enable them to directly fund people in need. The Herzes volunteer their own labor and cover all operating expenses of the organization. Their efforts have demonstrated that a foundation, while requiring a willingness to invest a lot of time, creativity and personal talents, can be started without a large monetary investment. 

In the fall of 1999 all these intentions and efforts lead to the first project: “OSP 2000” was born, a program which supports HIV/AIDS. orphans in Zimbabwe.  The idea came about when their son, Dr. Arnd Herz, and his wife spent a few weeks in the hospital in Harare where they experienced the desperation of AIDS orphans first-hand. Following this trip in 1999 the first projects to help orphans were initiated by the foundation. The founders have made regular trips to Zimbabwe since 2000 in order to make sure that the donations are used for their intended purpose. You can find more information about the projects in the  „projects“ section.