SwissFoundations is the leading Swiss association of grant-making foundations, which since its founding in 2001 has united more than 190 members from all over Switzerland. These members – both large and small foundations with local and international activities – invest over one billion Swiss francs annually in charitable projects and funding initiatives. SwissFoundations thus represents more than a third of all grant money awarded in Switzerland. As an active network, the association promotes the exchange of experiences, transparency, innovation and professionalism in the foundation sector[1][2].
The main mission of SwissFoundations is to increase the effectiveness, credibility and efficiency of foundations and to anchor good governance and responsible action. To this end, SwissFoundations developed, among other things, the internationally recognized Swiss Foundation Code, which has been regarded as a benchmark for best practice standards in the management and administration of foundations since 2005. This code improves the transparency and legitimacy of the entire sector and supports foundations in their sustainable impact[2][5].
Sustainability and future viability are central values of SwissFoundations. The association is strongly committed to establishing sustainable funding strategies and promoting innovation in the field of philanthropy. One example is the strategic partnership with StiftungSchweiz, with which digital solutions and Artificial Intelligence are being researched and implemented to increase efficiency and better align funding with social needs. The goal is to optimally utilize the potential of digitization for the Swiss foundation sector by 2026 and to effectively accompany social change[4].
SwissFoundations offers its members thematic working groups and platforms for dialogue, the development of new ideas and the joint management of pressing challenges. This network function creates important added value and supports foundations in aligning themselves with current social issues and maximizing their impact. As an independent representative of grant-making foundations, SwissFoundations strengthens the visibility of the sector to the public, politics and business[3].
Overall, SwissFoundations is characterized by a clear value orientation that includes transparency, accountability, innovation and sustainable commitment. By pooling resources, expertise and networking, the association promotes a strong, professional foundation sector that makes a decisive contribution to social progress in Switzerland and beyond.
