The purpose of the Foundation is to advance academic research, primarily by supporting projects in the humanities and their publication. In particular, by: 

• supporting research projects by national and international scholars as well as academic conferences on clearly defined, humanities-based topics
  
  
• awarding research and PhD scholarships to national and international scholars
  
  
• supporting measures in the field of historic preservation based on scientific base
  
  
• instigating and supporting all measures that serve the purpose of the Foundation
  
  
• implementing measures to raise public awareness of the above-mentioned objectives
  
  

As a private institution and in accordance with its basic purpose, the Gerda Henkel Foundation only supports research projects with a clearly defined scope and time frame. Priority is given to outstanding research projects with promising results to make best use of the funds available.

Following the wishes of the founder, the Foundation focuses particularly on the promotion of young scholars. When awarding scholarships, special consideration is given to research projects which provide young scholars with the opportunity to be involved in research and to improve their professional qualifications.