Panta Rhea Foundation along with Germany entities—the Schöpflin Foundation, Spore Initiative, and Publix—were established through the financial assets generated from Hans W. Schoepflin’s investments after moving to the U.S. in the 1980s. While each of the Schoepflin philanthropic initiatives has a distinct mission and approach, all are rooted in a commitment to democratic culture, justice, ecological and civic responsibility—guided by principles of exchange, dialogue, and mutual learning.

In fall of 2023, the Schoepflin family, together with the advisory board of the Schöpflin Foundation, commissioned an independent scholarly investigation with the aim of examining the history of the Schöpflin family and business during the Nazi era. While the resources that sustain Panta Rhea’s (and other German-based Schöpflin philanthropic entities) work come from Hans’ later investments as a venture capitalist in the U.S., we recognize that family history is never a neutral backdrop. As Dr. Lisl Schoepflin, great-granddaughter of the company’s founders and Deputy Chair of the Schöpflin Foundation, reflected: “Dealing with this silent chapter of our own history has brought us closer together as a family… The study shows us how important it is that we continue to actively and courageously promote a tolerant, diverse, and democratic society.”

We view the publication of this study as part of the broader work of responsibility and transparency—principles that shape how we engage with communities confronting injustice, how we honor cultural histories, and how we strive to be in right relationship across all areas of our work. Read more and access the study at the Schöpflin Foundation website.