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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- Public & private funding sources
Public & private funding sources
NGOs established in Geneva have many sources of public and private funding to carry out their projects.
The Swiss public authorities, whether at the level of the Confederation, the canton and the municipalities have instruments enabling NGOs to pursue projects abroad and actions or events on Geneva territory in the fields of excellence of International Geneva.
Swiss Confederation
- Field projects: Department for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
- Human rights projects: Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD)
Canton of Geneva
- Funding for development or humanitarian aid projects
- Funding for projects or events in Geneva
- History of supported international solidarity projects
City of Geneva
Geneva commune
Geneva federation for cooperation and development (FGC)
- Geneva federation for cooperation and development (FGC) NB: a Geneva NGO cannot be financially supported at the same time by the public authorities and the federation.
Loterie Romandie
Geneva also has a long philanthropic tradition and hosts an exceptional concentration of donor foundations. Please consult the useful links below for more information.
NGOs with a tax exemption can claim the deduction of the donation from their private donors.
Indeed, natural or legal persons who make a donation to an NGO benefiting from tax exemption for purposes of public utility or public service and which has its headquarters in Switzerland can deduct this donation from their tax return.
Natural persons can deduct up to a limit of 20% of net income and legal persons up to 20% of net taxable profit.
Donations in cash or in assets (movable or real estate assets, receivables, intellectual property rights) are deductible.
On the other hand, statutory contributions and other compulsory payments are not deductible, nor are gifts provided in the form of work. The NGO must establish, for the attention of the donor, a certificate of the donations it has received when the amount is greater than or equal to CHF 300.
Partnerships with services supporting international cooperation
Presentations on the services and support offered by Geneva institutions to Geneva-based NGOs:: Direction des affaires internationales (DAI) of the State of Geneva, Délégation Genève Ville Solidaire (DGVS) from Agenda 21 and the Fédération genevoise de coopération (FGC)
NGO: Rethinking Sponsorship and Partnerships
Involving the private sector in times of financial pressure. An event to demystify corporate philanthropy: how companies make their decisions, what motivates them beyond philanthropy, and what they expect from NGOs.
Blockchain Philanthropy: New Funding Pathways for NGOs
As traditional funding models are upended, NGOs are seeking novel ways to diversify resources and reach new donor communities. This event brought together NGO practitioners and actors from Geneva’s blockchain ecosystem to explore what blockchain philanthropy looks like in practice.
Swiss foundations
Overview of charitable grant-making foundations in Switzerland and practical tips in dealing with them.
Presentation by SwissFoundations (16 April, 2024)
Swiss foundations: Overview
Overview of charitable grant-making foundations in Switzerland and practical tips in dealing with them.
For further information
USEFUL INFORMATION
- 10 points clés à retenir sur la collecte de fonds, Fondation Genève Tourisme & Congrès, 2025.
- Geneva and philanthropy: information on philanthropy in the canton as well as on philanthropic foundations.
- Fundraiso: online platform that allows you to systematically search for funding in Switzerland.
- Swissfundraising: professional organization of fundraising specialists in Switzerland.
- Geneva Centre for Philanthropy: interdisciplinary research and teaching, public-private partnership between UNIGE and philanthropic foundations.
- Fundraising, a brief introduction, One Planet Lab, 2022.
- Maximize your chances of fundraising success, HEG presentation, 2020.
Other useful information for NGOs
Annual legal requirements
CAGI’s meeting spaces
CAGI Recruitment Platform
Conference rooms in Geneva
CAGI services
for NGOs and Permanent Missions
Contact
By appointment only: Monday to Friday from 9 am to 12 pm / 2 pm to 4:30 pm
Access by public transports (TPG) – lines 5, 8, 20, 22, 60, 61: 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.