The Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung is a German political foundation associated with the Social Democratic Party of Germany, yet independent of it. It was established as the political legacy of Friedrich Ebert. It is the oldest German organisation formed to promote democracy, political education and promote students of outstanding intellectual abilities and personalities. Today, the main goal of the organisation is to promote political and societal education of people from all walks of life in the spirit of democracy and pluralism, and to work towards international understanding and cooperation.