Services for NGOs
The CAGI assists international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) already established or seeking to do so in the Geneva region.
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- Creating a foundation
Creating a foundation
A foundation is an independent legal entity, whose essential element is a pool of assets which are dedicated to a specific purpose. The law of foundations is governed by articles 80 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code.
A foundation must be created through an authentic deed before a notary. It is created by the allocation of a capital amount to a specific purpose and it must be placed under the supervision of a public law entity (Confederation, canton or municipality) to which it belongs by virtue of its purpose. This supervisory body ensures that the foundation’s resources are used for the intended purpose.
This is a relatively rigid legal form. Once the goals have been adopted at the time of incorporation, they may be altered only with the approval of the supervisory authority.
According to the practice of the Federal Supervisory Authority, the minimum initial capital required is CHF 50,000.
A foundation has the following mandatory bodies :
- a Foundation Board,
- External auditors.
The constitution of a foundation ( art. 80 et seq. of the Civil Code ) requires registration with in the Commercial Registry. By this registration, the foundation acquires legal personality.
For more information, please consult the website of the Federal Supervisory Authority .
It is also possible to register the Foundation with CAGI in order to benefit from our services.
MORE INFORMATION :
- "Nouveautés pour les associations et les fondations, Modifications législatives 2023, Prof. Giulia Neri-Castracane et Me. Vincent Pfammatter, first publication in EXPERT FOCUS 2023|June, p. 262 ss"
- Federal Foundation Supervisory Authority
- Cantonal Supervisory Authority for Foundations and Provident Institutions (ASFIP Geneva)
- Geneva Chamber of Notaries
- Directory of foundations (Federal Supervisory Authority for Foundations - ASF)
- FAQ of the Federal Foundation Supervisory Authority
- Model deed and founding regulations (ASF)
Other useful information
to create your NGO
Creating an association
Opening a representative office
Template of statutes of association
CAGI services
for NGOs and Permanent Missions
Contact
By appointment only: Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. / 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
La Pastorale: Route de Ferney 106, 1202 Genève
Access by public transports (TPG): Line 5: stop Intercontinental; lines 8, 20, 22, 60: arrêt Appia. No parking on site.
Founded by the Swiss Confederation and the Republic and Canton of Geneva, the International Geneva Welcome Centre is the single entry point for the support and integration of employees of International Geneva and their families, NGOs and visiting delegates.