Church-affiliated organizations and nonprofit organizations make a significant contribution to society, education, health, and social inclusion. At the same time, they are facing profound changes. Demographic trends, increasing economic demands, digitalization, and growing regulatory and societal expectations are permanently altering the operating environment for church-affiliated and nonprofit organizations. However, these current challenges also present significant opportunities. Organizations that develop their structures with an eye toward the future, leverage digital potential, and strengthen their governance and compliance systems can secure their ability to act in the long term and fulfill their social mission sustainably. Successful transformation requires a balanced interplay of economic stability, legal certainty, and values-driven organizational development.
Of particular importance in this context are the legally sound design of organizational and management structures, support for transformation and restructuring processes, and compliance with regulatory and nonprofit law requirements. Issues related to labor law, data protection, corporate governance, asset management, financing, and ESG and sustainability transformation are also increasingly coming into focus. In addition, partnerships, mergers, and the long-term safeguarding of church and nonprofit services present many organizations with new legal and strategic challenges.
By virtue of the constitutionally guaranteed right of self-determination under Article 140 of the Basic Law in conjunction with Article 137 of the Weimar Constitution, the churches have the right to regulate their own affairs by means of ecclesiastical laws. We support you in the legal challenges in the organization of internal affairs as well as mediation of any resulting disagreements.
The challenges facing universities and scientific institutions are many and varied. Constantly changing legal requirements, staff shortages and digitization processes are just some of these topics. We support you in the development and implementation of new strategies and advise you on all legal issues related to science and research. Due to our many years of extensive experience, we are also the right contact for you when it comes to legal disputes.
Partner
Head of Litigation & ADR
Heidestraße 58
10557 Berlin
Tel.: +49 30 530199124
uthoelke@kpmg-law.com
© 2026 KPMG Law Rechtsanwaltsgesellschaft mbH, associated with KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft, a public limited company under German law and a member of the global KPMG organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a Private English Company Limited by Guarantee. All rights reserved. For more details on the structure of KPMG’s global organisation, please visit https://home.kpmg/governance.
KPMG International does not provide services to clients. No member firm is authorised to bind or contract KPMG International or any other member firm to any third party, just as KPMG International is not authorised to bind or contract any other member firm.