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
€92 billion
Pool of assets
€3 billion
Total expenditure
No data
Total employment
Switzerland’s foundations
13375
foundations
Additional links
More on the sector:
Swiss foundation sector: facts and figuresMember organisation
Fondation Botnar
Fondation Charles Léopold Mayer pour le progrès de l'Homme
Fondation de l'Orangerie
Fondation Lombard Odier
Fondation Mava
Fondation Salvia
Global Footprint Network Foundation
International Committee of the Red Cross
Isocrates Foundation
Jacobs Foundation
Laudes Foundation
Lutheran World Federation
Oak Foundation
PeaceNexus Foundation
Stiftung Mercator Schweiz
Swiss Philanthropy Foundation
SwissFoundations
Thalassa Foundation
United Nations Children's Fund
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees