Dr Elsa Maria Palm, née Krampf (1923-2008) from Eibau, Saxony, and Johann-Philipp Palm (1918-2004) from Schorndorf, Wuerttemberg, met while studying in Tuebingen. 

Soon after their wedding on 26 April 1945 in Traunstein, they moved the centre of their lives and work to the Palm family home on Schorndorf's market square. Dr Maria Palm took over the management of Dr Palm’s Pharmacy after completing her doctorate in medicine. Philipp Palm established Palm KG, a project company for healthcare property – both companies still exist today.

For many years, Mr and Mrs Palm not only shaped and supported pharmaceutical and medical care, but also the religious, social and cultural life of Schorndorf's urban society. In particular, community-based commitment in favour of peace and democracy was a central concern for them. They wanted to “help break down prejudices and aggression under everyday conditions and from the bottom up, to respect and promote human similarities, fairness and dignity.” The Palm-Foundation is still dedicated to this goal today.

In 1991, Philipp Palm was awarded honorary citizenship of the city of Schorndorf for his diverse commitment.