The foundation aims to secure and preserve the assets of the descendants of Carl and Eugenie Ehrenzeller-Knapp, St. Gallen, deceased in 1886 and 1907, and to distribute the income from the foundation's assets to the entitled family members. Exceptionally, contributions can also be made from the foundation's assets. The foundation board determines the entitled family members on a case-by-case basis. Donations are also possible to life partners or life partners of family members, provided that the partnership has lasted for at least five years at the time of the donation. The foundation board primarily considers family members who have fallen into need due to age, illness or other reasons. Subsidiarily, donations to family members are possible for the purpose of education, vocational training, endowment on marriage or business start-up, in particular for professional independence, as well as for financing spa stays and the like.