Country profile
Switzerland
Definition
While the term “foundation” is not legally defined in Swiss law, Art. 80 et seqq. Zivilgesetzbuch (ZGB – Swiss Civil Code) provides the legal framework for foundations in Switzerland. According to Art. 80 ZGB the formation of a foundation requires assets being endowed for a specific purpose. It is not possible to transfer the assets back to the founder. Apart from public benefit foundations, there is a variety of foundation types in Switzerland such as ecclesiastical foundations, foundations concerning employee benefits schemes, corporate foundations, family foundations, public law foundations.
Switzerland’s philanthropy profile
€140 billion
Pool of assets
€3.5 billion
Total expenditure
No data
Total employment
Switzerland’s foundations
13635
foundations
Additional links
More on the sector:
Swiss foundation sector: facts and figuresMember organisation
CAUX – Initiatives of Change
Fondation Botnar
Fondation Charles Léopold Mayer pour le progrès humain
Fondation Lombard Odier
Fondation Salvia
Global Footprint Network Foundation
Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation
International Committee of the Red Cross
Jacobs Foundation
Laudes Foundation
Lutheran World Federation
Oak Foundation
PeaceNexus Foundation
Seedling Foundation
Stiftung Mercator Schweiz
Swiss Philanthropy Foundation
SwissFoundations
United Nations Children's Fund
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees