The "Alexander Langer Stiftung Foundation ETS" (at the time Onlus) was established on July 4, 1999, after extensive preparatory work initiated in 1996 by the Pro Europa association (founded by Langer himself in 1994), thanks to the active support of numerous individuals, associations and institutions. It was officially recognized by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities through Ministerial Decree on November 18, 1999, and since February 27, 2023, it has been registered in the RUNTS (National Register of Third Sector Entities), section "Other third sector organizations". Among its aims is to support groups and individuals whose work helps keep alive the legacy of Alexander Langer's thought and continue his civil, cultural and political commitment and his dedication to the environment (Article 2 of the Foundation's Statute). This support is also expressed through the awarding of the Alexander Langer International Prize. Beyond the people who in various capacities and roles make up the Foundation's close-knit community, the true patrimony consists of the Langer Archive.
The Foundation was recognized by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage on November 18, 1999. It was registered in the ONLUS volunteer organizations registry of the Province of Bolzano with decree no. 128/1.1 of August 24, 2000. With the third sector reform, the "Alexander Langer Stiftung Foundation, ETS" was registered as a third sector entity in the National Register of Third Sector Entities (RUNTS) established at the Ministry of Labor and Social Policies in implementation of articles 45 and following of the Third Sector Code (Legislative Decree July 3, 2017, no. 117).
Since 2005, the Foundation has been registered in the national register of associations where National Civil Service can be performed and of associations authorized to promote equal treatment among people, UNAR registry regardless of race and ethnic, cultural, religious origin, and entitled to take legal action in the name of, on behalf of or in support of victims of discrimination. Since 2021, it has been a member of the National Network against hate speech and hate phenomena.

The Foundation was awarded the City of Rome Prize 2005 for "peace and humanitarian action".