Articles of Association of I-Can-Ser eV

§ 1 – Name, Registered Office, Scope of Activities, Financial Year and Logo of the Association

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a) The name of the Association is “I-Can-Ser e.V.”.
Designations in other languages:

• German (long form, descriptive): Ich kann der Menschheit dienen: Internationales Krebshilfenetzwerk

• English: I Can Serve Humanity: International Cancer Assistance Network

• Turkish: İnsanlığa Hizmet Ediyorum: International Kanser Yardım ve Servis Ağı

The uniform multilingual short form is “I-Can-Ser e.V.”.

b) The registered office of the Association is in Lübeck, Germany. It is entered in the Register of Associations (recorded during the application process under register number 12345).

c) The financial year is the calendar year from 1 January to 31 December.

d) The Association’s primary scope of activities lies in Germany; however, it also operates internationally and provides humanitarian assistance particularly in the field of cancer diseases.

e) The Association’s logo consists of a red heart with a white star, the blue lettering “I CAN SER e.V.”, and a blue-and-white heartbeat signal. Use by third parties is prohibited.

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§ 2 – Purpose and Non-Profit Status of the Association

a) The Association pursues exclusively and directly charitable and benevolent purposes within the meaning of the section “Tax-Privileged Purposes” in accordance with § 60 AO (German Fiscal Code).

b) Main objectives:

• Promotion of public health and public healthcare (§ 52 para. 2 no. 3 AO),

• Support in particular for persons suffering from cancer and those in financial need, both domestically and abroad; in addition, if necessary, support for other seriously ill persons (§ 53 AO),

• Promotion of international cooperation in cancer research and patient care.

c) Implementation is achieved in particular through: information, counselling and support; international projects relating to medical care and psychosocial assistance; networking; events; public relations; expert advice and training; establishment of support centers; and cooperation with clinics, rehabilitation and social institutions.

d) Cooperation with domestic and foreign health institutions, professional associations, NGOs, companies and individuals is permitted on the basis of written agreements. Contributions in kind and monetary donations are accepted.

e) The Association operates entirely on a voluntary basis and without the intention of making a profit. It may carry out special projects and campaigns, particularly in the areas of pandemics, natural disasters and humanitarian aid. The Association acts selflessly. The funds of the Association may only be used for statutory purposes. Members shall not receive any benefits from the Association’s funds. No person may be favored through expenditures not related to the Association’s purposes or through disproportionately high remuneration.

 

§ 3 – Membership of the Association, Rights and Duties, Membership Fees and Termination of Membership

a) Any natural person of legal age or legal entity that recognizes the objectives and the Statute and pays the membership fee may become a member. Each member has one vote in the General Assembly.

b) Application is to be made in writing via the website or by e-mail. The Executive Board (HV) accepts or rejects the application in writing within one month through the Chairperson and the Treasurer without giving reasons. Membership begins upon receipt of payment.

c) Fees are to be paid within one month after admission and annually by 10 May at the latest into the Association’s account (preferably by standing order). The amount of the membership fee is determined by the General Assembly and announced in the invitation as well as on the website. In justified cases, the Executive Board may defer or waive fees.

d) Termination occurs through death/dissolution, resignation or expulsion. Resignation is possible at any time in writing (e-mail/website) and becomes effective upon receipt by the Board. No claims may be made to the Association’s assets.

e) Grounds for expulsion: non-payment despite two reminders by the end of the year; violations of the Statute/resolutions; conduct damaging to reputation, discriminatory or supportive of violence. Procedure: written warning → possibly provisional suspension by the Executive Board (with reasons) → hearing at the next General Assembly → final decision.

f) Rights/duties: participation, use of services, active and passive voting rights; duty to pay fees, support the Association’s goals, respectful conduct. Disputes should be settled internally.

g) Beneficiaries of aid do not need to be members. The type and scope of aid are regulated by a directive of the Executive Board within the framework of financial possibilities.

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§ 4 – General Assembly

a) An ordinary General Assembly (GA) shall be held annually no later than 31 March; notice must be given at least two weeks in advance by e-mail including the agenda and reports, as well as publication on the website. Online participation and multilingual accessibility shall be ensured.

b) The GA shall be chaired by an elected meeting chairperson and a secretary. Reports shall be submitted in writing in advance; the minutes shall be signed by the chairperson and the secretary.

c) The GA shall constitute a quorum when at least one third of the members are present. If this quorum is not reached, a second GA with the same agenda shall be convened within two weeks, which shall constitute a quorum regardless of the number of members present (this shall be stated in the first invitation).

d) Resolutions shall be adopted openly by simple majority; in the event of a tie, a second ballot shall be held.

e) Amendments to the Statutes require a two-thirds majority of the members present and entitled to vote.

f) Voting rights: Only members who have paid their contributions at least two months before the meeting date are entitled to vote. Votes may be transferred by written proxy to another member (maximum of one proxy per member). Secret ballots for elections shall be held upon request; electronic voting systems are permitted. In the event of a tie, a second round shall take place.

g) Election of the Executive Board (HV): At the founding assembly – five regular members and two substitute members are elected. Thereafter: in odd-numbered years, the Chairperson + two members; in even-numbered years, the Treasurer + one member (term of office two years each). Annually: two substitute members, one internal auditor and a deputy, as well as, if necessary, one external auditor.

h) Extraordinary GA: may be convened by resolution of the Executive Board or upon request of at least one quarter of the voting members; notice must be given at least two weeks in advance by e-mail.

i) Motions for the agenda must be submitted in writing to the Board at least three days before the GA; amendments to current items may also be submitted during the meeting.

j) Model agenda of the ordinary General Assembly:

1. Election of the meeting chairperson

2. Election of the secretary and, if applicable, the treasurer

3. Presentation and approval of the Executive Board’s activity report

4. Presentation and approval of the financial report

5. Discussion of submitted member motions

6. Adoption of the action and budget plan for the new year

7. Determination of membership fees

8. Election of the Executive Board (odd years: Chairperson + 2 members / even years: Treasurer + 1 member)

9. Election of internal and external auditors

10. Miscellaneous, closing remarks

§ 5 – Executive Board

a) The Executive Board pursuant to § 26 BGB consists of the Chairperson, the Deputy Chairperson, the Treasurer, the Secretary and one additional member (five regular members), as well as two substitute members. More than half of the members of the Board must be German nationals or hold a valid residence or work permit in Germany.

b) Duties: representation of the Association, convening of the GA, determination of the agenda, implementation of resolutions, ongoing business, management of assets, annual reports, decision on admissions.

c) The Executive Board is elected by the General Assembly. In odd-numbered years, the Chairperson and two members are elected; in even-numbered years, the Treasurer and one additional member are elected, each for a two-year term. Re-election is permitted.

d) The Executive Board may regulate its internal working methods by adopting rules of procedure, provided these are consistent with the Statutes and the resolutions of the General Assembly.

e) Due to the international orientation of the Association, the Board may make use of translation services or appropriate software.

f) The Board has a quorum when at least 51% of its members are present. Meetings shall, if possible, be chaired by an external moderator, or alternatively by the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson. Resolutions are adopted by simple majority. In the event of a tie, a new vote shall be held.

g) Board meetings shall be held at least every two months and shall be convened in writing with three days’ notice and agenda. Resolutions shall be recorded in the minutes and signed by the Chairperson and the Secretary.

h) The Board may issue supplementary guidelines, establish advisory committees and working groups, and cooperate with external volunteer experts. The tasks and responsibilities of these persons shall be defined in writing.

i) Substitute members may attend Board meetings without voting rights. In the absence of a regular member, a substitute shall take their place in the established order.

j) Members of the Board, branch managers as well as Association members or appointees work on a voluntary and unpaid basis. In accordance with § 3 no. 26a EStG, proven necessary expenses incurred in the performance of charitable activities may be reimbursed.

k) The Association is represented externally by the Chairperson or the Deputy Chairperson, each individually.

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§ 6 – Branch Offices

a) The Association may, by resolution of the Board, establish branch offices outside Germany, provided these comply with local laws. The provisions of these Statutes shall apply mutatis mutandis to the branch offices.

b) Branch offices are obliged to comply with the decisions of the head office. Orders from local authorities or from the Board must be implemented without delay.

c) Persons who join a branch office are automatically considered members of the main Association. Each branch office is represented in the General Assembly by a delegate elected by its Board, with one vote.

d) The main Association supports the branch offices materially and organizationally to the extent possible. In return, the branch offices participate in joint projects within their means.

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§ 7 – Financial Regulations, Representation and Power of Signature

a) The sources of income of the Association are: membership fees, general and tax-privileged donations, public grants, project funds, income from economic activities, sponsorships, interest, profits from investments, and proceeds from Association events.

b) In accordance with § 60 of the German Fiscal Code (AO), the Association shall keep all tax-privileged income in a separate account and use it exclusively and directly for charitable or benevolent purposes, documented with proper evidence. Of the remaining annual gross income, at least two-thirds shall be used directly for the statutory charitable purposes; the remainder shall serve the operation and further development of the Association. The Association may not engage in economic activities that do not serve the common good.

c) The Treasurer and the Chairperson are each individually authorized to open and manage the Association’s bank accounts and to carry out payments and transfers for the ongoing operation of the Association up to a maximum amount of €10,000 per transaction, and to sign these legally binding. The Treasurer shall present the current Association accounts at every ordinary Board meeting.

d) The acquisition or sale of real estate, as well as the assumption of financial obligations with a term of more than one year, requires the approval of the General Assembly.

e) The fiscal year is the calendar year from 1 January to 31 December. The annual financial statement shall be prepared by the Treasurer, audited by the auditors, and submitted to the General Assembly.

f) Pursuant to § 26 BGB, the Chairperson of the Association (or, in the case of representation, the Deputy Chairperson) is authorized to represent the Association alone, either after prior or, in urgent cases, subsequent information to the Board, and to sign legally binding documents:
“For the Board of I-Can-Ser e.V., the Chairperson (Name).”
Similarly, the Treasurer is authorized to represent the Association alone in all banking and financial matters and to sign legally binding documents:
“For the Board of I-Can-Ser e.V., the Treasurer (Name).”

g) In accordance with § 30 BGB, the Board may, if necessary, appoint a managing director or employed staff with powers and duties defined in writing.

h) Liability: Officeholders are liable only in cases of intent or gross negligence (§§ 26, 31a, 31b BGB). The Association shall not be liable for damages to its members that arise outside of mandatory insurance coverage. In the case of property ownership or permanent employees, appropriate insurance policies shall be concluded.

i) Data protection: Officeholders and volunteers are obliged to protect personal data in accordance with the GDPR and BDSG. This obligation continues even after the termination of their activities.

j) Travel expenses covered by the Association may only be recognized for tax purposes if they serve exclusively the realization of the statutory charitable or benevolent purposes of the Association. Any private purpose of the trip is not permitted and endangers tax recognition, as this would violate the principle of selflessness (§ 55 AO) and exclusivity (§ 56 AO). If private reasons play a role, the costs must be divided into a business-related and a private portion. Only the portion serving the charitable purpose may be financed from Association funds or donations. If a division is not possible, the entire costs may not be borne by the Association’s funds.

 

§ 8 – Dissolution of the Association

a) The dissolution of the Association may be decided by the General Assembly, which is convened for this purpose with a special agenda. A two-thirds majority of the members present and entitled to vote is required. If this majority is not achieved in the first assembly, a simple majority of the members present is sufficient in the second assembly, which shall be convened within two weeks with the same agenda.

b) In the event of dissolution, the Chairperson, together with the meeting chairperson or persons designated by the General Assembly, shall carry out the liquidation.

c) In the event of dissolution of the Association or the discontinuation of tax-privileged purposes, the assets of the Association shall pass to “Haus der Krebs-Selbsthilfe – Bundesverband e.V. (HKSH)” or a comparable institution. This institution is obliged to use the acquired assets exclusively and directly for charitable, benevolent purposes.

 

§ 9 – Final Provisions

a) The Board is authorized to make editorial changes as well as adjustments required by law or by authorities (e.g., local court, tax office) without a new resolution of the General Assembly.

b) These Statutes were unanimously adopted at the founding assembly on 22 June 2025. (Updated at the Board meeting on 13 September 2025 in accordance with the recommendations of the German tax authorities.)

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