Foundations in Canton of Zurich

The Canton of Zurich belongs to the Greater Zurich Area region and is one of the most important foundation locations in Switzerland. The strong economic, social, and cultural environment as well as the high density of educational and research institutions create optimal conditions for a diverse foundation landscape. Anyone seeking grant-making foundations or non-profit organizations will find Zurich to be a central starting point with high relevance for both local and supra-regional projects.

Uncontested Top Position in Swiss Philanthropy

Zurich holds a clear leadership position in the Swiss foundation landscape. With an impressive total of exactly 2,218 foundations according to the Swiss Foundation Report 2026, the canton is the absolute frontrunner. The report further underlines the site's immense importance: the cumulative assets of Swiss foundations have risen to nearly 160 billion Swiss francs, with an essential portion of this capital being managed in the Zurich economic area. Zurich foundations are increasingly acting not merely as pure grant-makers, but are establishing themselves as strategic civil society actors striving to achieve systemic impact through partnerships.

Guilds, Service Clubs, and a Diverse Foundation Landscape

Zurich philanthropy is characterized by a unique combination of historical and modern diversity. The spectrum ranges from traditional grant-making foundations and major university-affiliated research and educational foundations (such as ETH or UZH) to locally rooted charitable organizations.

Two groups of actors shape social and philanthropic life in Zurich in a particularly distinct way:

• The Zurich Guilds (Zünfte): Similar to the traditional societies in Bern, the guilds in Zurich do not only hold historical significance surrounding the Sechseläuten, but also play an often underestimated role in the non-profit sector. Many guilds maintain their own social or cultural funds, support local projects, and are deeply rooted in the urban citizenry.
• Service Clubs: Zurich features an extremely high density of service clubs (including Rotary, Lions, Zonta, Kiwanis). These clubs are exceptionally well-networked economically and represent an agile and direct source of funding for many local initiatives, social institutions, and cultural projects.

Targeted Strengthening of Zurich as a Foundation Location Through New Framework Conditions

That Zurich maintains and expands its top position is the result of a proactive location strategy. The canton is taking targeted steps to further reinforce its status as a leading foundation hub through improved tax-law framework conditions and strategic initiatives. A targeted search for suitable funding schemes in the canton is facilitated, for example, by the foundation directory Fundraiso.ch.

Modernized Tax Practice

The Zurich government has created highly attractive conditions for charitable foundations. Key modifications include adaptations in tax practice:

• Remuneration of Board Members: Adequate compensation for foundation board members is now permitted under tax law.
• Equal Treatment of Foreign Activities: Charitable activities abroad are treated equally for tax purposes with domestic ones, making the canton even more attractive for internationally active foundations.
• Enabling Impact Investments: Returns from impact investments can be generated as long as they are reinvested into charitable purposes. This opens up innovative, modern funding opportunities.

These adjustments reflect revised legal requirements and are based on a legal opinion as well as closer exchange with supervisory authorities.

Hub Initiatives in Cooperation with SwissFoundations

Alongside tax adjustments, further pioneering measures were implemented in cooperation with SwissFoundations:

1. Coordination and Contact Point: The Department of Economic Affairs offers direct advisory services for establishing and settling charitable foundations.
2. Information Platform: The portal www.stiftungen.zuerich ensures greater transparency in the foundation sector and provides an online infodesk.
3. «Zurich Foundation Talks»: An event series fosters direct dialogue between politics and the foundation sector to sustainably improve Zurich's international positioning as a foundation hub.

When Should You Focus on Foundations in Zurich?

Foundations in Zurich are particularly relevant when a project demonstrates a direct link to the canton or the region. Regionally rooted and cantonal foundations prioritize supporting initiatives within their geographical sphere of activity. The closer a foundation is to the project's location of impact, the higher its relevance for a fundraising campaign. The regional connection is therefore a decisive success factor during research. At the same time, the large roof and grant-making foundations based in Zurich often offer excellent funding opportunities for nationally or internationally oriented projects as well.