In the fields of science and education, the activities of the Heinrich Böll Foundation reflect the change of modern societies towards what has been labelled "Knowledge Society." Knowledge – especially scientific knowledge – has increasingly become a crucial resource and education the precondition for participation in the public sphere. This participation in turn includes the ability to take part in social deliberations about the direction and the limits of scientific and technological progress.

Promotion of the production and distribution of literary and artistic work is a core issue of the Heinrich Böll Foundation's activities in political education. Enabling people to perceive works of art and to grasp their meanings and dimensions promotes intellectual development, furthers citizenship and tolerance.
The freedom of the arts is an indispensable part of democracy. The promotion of openness towards other cultures and life styles is an integral part of our cultural exchange programmes. We regularly invite writers and artists from abroad to stay in Germany for some months.