Establishment of the Anne Frank Fonds

The Anne Frank Fonds was established as a charitable foundation in Basel, Switzerland, by Otto Frank and his second wife, Elfriede Geiringer Markovits. This foundation was created to manage the legacy of Anne Frank, particularly her writings and the letters of the Frank family. Upon Otto Frank's death, he bequeathed the copyright of Anne's diary to the Fonds, stipulating that the first 80,000 Swiss francs generated annually from its income would be allocated to his heirs. This arrangement ensured that the financial interests of the family were preserved while also allowing the foundation to operate and promote its educational mission. The Fonds plays a crucial role in representing the Frank family and administering the rights associated with their literary works, which include not only Anne's diary but also other writings by Otto Frank. The impact of the Anne Frank Fonds extends beyond the management of copyrights; it actively engages in educational initiatives aimed at combating racism and promoting tolerance among young people. The foundation has loaned significant materials, including Anne's papers, to institutions such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum for exhibitions, thereby enhancing public awareness of the Holocaust and the importance of human rights. Through its various programs and partnerships, the Anne Frank Fonds continues to honor Anne Frank's legacy and educate future generations about the dangers of discrimination and the value of diversity.