Published in March 2025, the GCP report highlighted the dynamism of Geneva’s philanthropic sector. Based on interviews with some 90 sector stakeholders, the study commissioned by the Department of Economy, Employment and Energy (DEE) underscored the richness and diversity of the local ecosystem. It also ptimized the unique features of Geneva’s philanthropic landscape, linked to the presence of numerous international and non-governmental organisations, with which it works in close partnership. At the same time, the report identified areas where there is room for improvement in the conditions that the canton offers to foundations and public-interest associations.
“The philanthropic sector plays a full part in enhancing Geneva’s reputation, in the canton’s economic prosperity and in the quality of life of its residents. It is important to highlight its role in the daily lives of the people of Geneva and to acknowledge the commitment of its actors,” notes Delphine Bachmann, State Councillor in charge of the DEE. “To further increase its impact, we will deploy measures that respond to the requests made by sector stakeholders, in a context in which Geneva faces strong competition. These measures will strengthen Geneva’s position as a key hub for philanthropy, encourage new entities to set up here and facilitate the development of new philanthropic models.”
Strengthening communication and showcasing the local ecosystem
To respond to the needs and expectations expressed by philanthropic actors in the GCP study, substantial work has been carried out in terms of communication and information. Access to useful data – both for entities already established in the canton and for those wishing to set up activities here – has been reviewed and expanded. The State of Geneva’s website dedicated to philanthropy has thus been completely redesigned.
In parallel, an interactive map integrating all publicly available information on each entity will shortly be made available. Developed in collaboration with Spheriq, the Swiss reference platform for philanthropic sector data, this tool will make fundraising easier for project leaders and foster collaboration by facilitating connections. It will also help to increase transparency in the sector, as this information will be accessible to everyone.
A strategic philanthropy council, bringing together sector stakeholders and representatives of the administration, has been established and has already begun its work. Its mandate is to ptimize relations between public authorities and philanthropic activities and to propose options for continuous improvement of the framework conditions for foundations.
In addition, discussions are underway for Geneva to host an international congress dedicated to philanthropy in the near future. Such events help to showcase the local ecosystem while enabling its stakeholders to build relationships with potential partners. These gatherings foster openness and facilitate the development of new projects.
Clarifying the tax framework applied in Geneva
The GCP study underlines that the concept of public benefit, as implemented by the Geneva authorities, is favourable to philanthropy. It notes that, in the field of private philanthropy, the Canton of Geneva has even been a pioneer, making a point of not creating unjustified barriers to cross-border donations, unlike certain other cantons.
Taking the GCP’s recommendations into account, the Cantonal Tax Administration (AFC) has already updated its guidelines on tax exemptions. Its practices regarding activities of public benefit carried out abroad, compensation for members of a foundation board and support through entrepreneurial funding have been reiterated and, in some cases, clarified.
Encouraging the emergence of new philanthropic models
“The AFC also plans to examine whether its practice in terms of tax exemption can be further adapted in light of new philanthropic models, such as social entrepreneurship, broader entrepreneurial support schemes and other impact investments,” explains Nathalie Fontanet, State Councillor in charge of the DF.
She goes on to recall: “Foundations are key contributors to our canton’s prosperity and its international standing. Their activities are part of a partnership dynamic and complement the policies implemented by public authorities.”
These developments reflect the Geneva authorities’ ongoing commitment to supporting actors engaged for the common good, in particular by adapting cantonal administrative practices to the contemporary realities of the philanthropic sector.