Geneva offers a unique, attractive environment for anyone wishing to bring their philanthropy project to life. With a clear legal framework, high-quality support and a world-renowned ecosystem, setting up a foundation in Geneva is a meaningful, lasting step.
Why set up a foundation?
Creating a foundation is a powerful act in service of the common good and a way to make your commitment go the distance.
There are many reasons for taking this step:
- To ensure the continuity of a philanthropic initiative beyond the lifetime of a donor or patron;
- To structure a family, corporate or institutional commitment around shared values;
- To give greater visibility and credibility to a cause or mission.
Foundations can be created in one of two ways:
- Inter vivos: the foundation is created during the founder’s lifetime. This is by far the most common case.
- Mortis causa: the foundation is created through a will or inheritance agreement.
What is a foundation?
Under the Swiss Civil Code (Art. 80 and subsequent), a foundation is an asset dedicated irrevocably to a specific purpose.
Foundations share some key features:
- Long-lasting: once created, a foundation is autonomous and placed under the supervision of an independent authority;
- A clearly defined purpose written into its statutes;
- A specific governance structure managed by a Foundation Board which ensures compliance with the founder’s intent.
Helpful to know: the main types of foundation
Both in Geneva and across Switzerland, there are several forms a foundation can take.
Choosing the right type determines how the foundation will operate, how it relates to its beneficiaries, the appropriate tax regime and the supervisory authority. Your goals and operating model will guide the way you choose your structure. Examples include:
Grant-making foundations: funding external projects through grants or donations.
Operating foundations: directly implements their own philanthropic projects.
Umbrella foundations: host dedicated projects or funds, enabling donors to benefit from an existing legal structure.
Family or corporate foundations: organise long-term philanthropic commitments for families or businesses.
Shareholder foundations: hold all or part of a company whereby the profits finance the foundation objectives.
👉For more information on the legal and tax framework for foundations, read the ASFIP Practical Guide to Creating a Foundation in Geneva.
A clear path towards creating your foundation
Establishing a foundation in Geneva is a project that requires careful preparation. It all starts with defining your vision and philanthropic purpose: clarifying your objective, the societal need you wish to address, and the type of foundation best suited to your project. This initial reflection makes it possible to frame a purpose that is both precise and broad enough to evolve over time, ideally with the support of specialist advisors.
Next comes the drafting of the deed of foundation and statutes, which form the legal basis of your structure. These documents set out, among other things, the purpose, amount of initial capital, and composition of the governance bodies. They must be signed in the presence of a notary and, preferably, reviewed beforehand by the competent supervisory authority.
Registration with the Commercial Register gives the foundation status as a legal entity. At the same time, a tax exemption request may be submitted to the Cantonal Tax Administration if the foundation’s purpose is in the public benefit.
A strong governance system is then put in place: the Foundation Board oversees management, defines responsibilities, determines the investment policy, and ensures transparency of activities.
Finally, the foundation can begin its work and join Geneva’s philanthropic ecosystem, benefiting from resources, advice and partnerships to strengthen its impact.
To put your project into action, download the booklet “How to Create a Foundation in Geneva”, which sets out the key steps in detail.