Philanthropy portal

Geneva is a strategic place where you can turn your convictions into impact. Your foundation benefits from a particularly favourable legal and tax framework, streamlined procedures, a dense network of foundations, and unique proximity to international organisations.

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Actualités

Concrete measures to support the development of the philanthropic sector in Geneva

Geneva’s position as an international hub for philanthropy needs to be made more visible and attractive. This is the thrust of the recommendations issued by the Geneva Centre for Philanthropy (GCP) at the University of Geneva. The canton is currently home to nearly 1,400 foundations,...

Publication of the English version of the report "The philanthropic sector in Geneva"

Following the press release issued a few weeks ago, the English version of the report "The philanthropic sector in Geneva", produced by the Geneva Centre for Philanthropy (GCP) on behalf of the Département de l'économie et de l'emploi, is now available. This translation meets the...

Practical Steps

Why set up a foundation?

Define your mission, draft the statutes, set up the capital, submit the deed to a notary, then register the foundation in the commercial register: follow the process step by step.

Tax Exemption for Institutions in Service of the Public Good

Tax exemption, deductibility of donations, recognition as a non-profit entity: discover the conditions and measures that make Geneva fiscally attractive for foundations.

Key summary of the Swiss and Geneva legal framework

Statutes, supervision, public-benefit status, accounting obligations: access the essentials to understand the legal framework governing foundations in Geneva.

Resources and publications

Guides, reports, studies and reference documents: access all the resources you need to better understand the Geneva framework and support every stage of your project.

Ecosystem

Key Sector Events and Highlights

Meetings, forums, conferences and collaborative initiatives: identify key events and key players to build lasting partnerships across Geneva’s ecosystem.

Testimonials: Foundations share their experience of Geneva

From creation to the first concrete actions, discover inspiring real-life journeys that highlight the strengths of Geneva’s ecosystem for committed foundations.

Connecting with International Geneva

The unique proximity of more than 700 international organisations gives foundations access to multiple strategic partners, influential forums and global networks.

Stakeholders and Partners

Authorities and supervisory bodies

From initial advice through to public-benefit recognition, identify the people and services that will guide you at every stage of your project.

Umbrella Associations

Swiss umbrella organisations support, inform and represent foundations and associations.

Key experts and partners you should know

Notaries, tax specialists, legal experts and specialised advisors: find the key contacts you need to secure, structure and develop your foundation in Geneva.

Vision and Commitment

The State’s Commitment to Philanthropy

The Canton of Geneva’s support for philanthropy is guided by a clear vision: making it easier for foundations to emerge, settle and shine, for the benefit of local society and global causes.

The Spirit of Geneva: A Living Humanist Tradition

Geneva stands out for its tradition of active neutrality, collective engagement and humanist history. This spirit continues to infuse the canton today and shapes relations between public, private and non-profit actors.

Publications

Documents pratiques

Témoignage en anglais de Delphine Bachmann - Genève environnement idéal pour votre fondation

10 octobre 2025 - Vidéos, Audios - Office cantonal de l'économie et de l'innovation

Études et rapports

The Philanthropy Sector in Geneva

8 juillet 2025 - Études et rapports - Office cantonal de l'économie et de l'innovation

Voir aussi

Set up your foundation in Geneva

Geneva: the perfect environment for your foundation