Geneva: the perfect environment for your foundation
A unique, innovative ecosystem where you can set up your foundation, take action, and thrive on an international scale.
Geneva’s major advantages
Your foundation benefits from a favourable tax framework, streamlined procedures, a dense network of foundations, and unique proximity to international organisations. Geneva is a strategic place where you can turn your convictions into impact.
International network
Geneva brings together a unique ecosystem of NGOs, international organisations, foundations, and associations, embedding your work in a truly global sphere of influence.
Streamlined procedures
Setting up a foundation in Geneva means enjoying an innovative framework, personalised guidance, and simplified formal steps, so you can move quickly from intention to action.
Favourable tax setting
Geneva offers tax exemptions for public-interest foundations as well as advantages for donors, creating a supportive environment where you can act efficiently.
Committed
innovation
True to its tradition of openness, neutrality, and solidarity, Geneva welcomes foundations in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation. Here, a deeply humanist history meets a dynamic ecosystem. Discover events and highlights on the philanthropy portal where you can forge connections and share experiences.
Events and highlights
Geneva is not just a welcoming place. It is a hub of innovation for those who want to change the world through philanthropy.
Delphine Bachmann
State Councillor
Key figures
+1373
Foundations headquartered in Geneva
25
Billion Swiss francs in combined assets
9
Billion francs distributed per year
20%
Increase in new foundations over the past 10 years
26
Foundations per 10,000 inhabitants (2024)
500+
international
organisations and NGOs
Voices from the field
Together with local authorities, our goal is clear: to increase the collective impact of philanthropy, both today and tomorrow.
Marie Wyss
Director of SwissFoundations for French-speaking Switzerland
In Geneva, the ecosystem is particularly encouraging and flexible. The authorities were receptive to an innovative model.
Alexandre Berda
President of the A.-C. Berda Foundation
Our values align with Geneva's values of humanitarism, international openness, diversity and human rights.
Doug Griffiths
President of Oak Foundation
Would your foundation like to share its experience of being based in Geneva? Contact us today.
Creating a foundation
Key steps include drafting a legally valid deed of foundation, clearly defining the statutes, providing sufficient capital, and registering with the Commercial Register. This streamlined process allows founders to bring their philanthropic vision to life quickly, backed by a stable legal framework and effective institutional support..
Visit the philanthropy portal
A clear, comprehensive gateway to everything you need to know about foundations: the legal framework, the steps to creating your foundation, and the advantages of being based in Geneva. Explore resources, take inspiration from existing initiatives, and launch your project with confidence.
Philanthropy portalCan we be of help?
The Cantonal Office for Economy and Innovation (OCEI) is available to answer any questions you may have about setting up your foundation in Geneva. We will be delighted to support you at every stage of your project.