This article presents different ways of collaboration between public actors and foundations within the educational system and illustrates chances as well as criticism of the engagement of foundations. The project “Family Centers in Primary Schools” in the town of Gelsenkirchen, a model experiment of the “Wuebben Stiftung,” shows how development partnerships can be constructed in a positive way.

Keywords
educational cooperation, engagement of foundations, impact of foundations, foundations as creative change directors, possibilities of cooperation and collaboration between state and foundations, common government, tutor, offers of support and advice, development partnership, model experiment, family center, improvement of the educational system