Greater Zurich: A dynamic hub for international foundations

As the largest foundation hub in Switzerland, Zurich is home to over 2,200 charitable foundations, many of which operate nationally and globally. 

This strategic location connects foundations to a vibrant network of universities, research institutes, NGOs, and cultural organizations, fostering collaboration and innovation. The Zurich region's blend of tradition and modernity, with its rich history in foundation law dating back to 1835 and 60% of its foundations established in the last 25 years, makes it a dynamic environment for growth.

The Zurich region offers one of Switzerland's most supportive environments for foundations, marked by a dynamic regulatory approach and a unique tax system. 

Charitable foundations benefit from significant flexibility, including tax exemptions even when engaging in entrepreneurial funding models such as social impact bonds, convertible loans, and equity investments. This progressive framework allows foundations to innovate and operate on a global scale while ensuring compliance with Swiss standards.

Zurich provides a professional and supportive ecosystem for foundations, emphasizing modern governance, transparency, and diversity. With over 10,951 registered foundation board mandates, Zurich is committed to good governance practices. 

The city of Zurich is also home to SwissFoundations, the publisher of the Swiss Foundation Code—one of the world's most recognized frameworks for charitable governance. Additionally, Zurich offers top-tier consulting services in strategy, finance, and law, further strengthened by events like the Zurich Foundation Law Day, which draws experts from around the world.

The Zurich region stands as Switzerland's economic powerhouse, hosting a significant concentration of foundation assets totaling over CHF 18 billion. This financial strength is further complemented by Zurich’s status as a global financial center, offering access to a wide range of financial services and investment opportunities. 

The presence of corporate foundations established by leading companies reflects the strong commitment of Zurich’s business community to social, cultural, and environmental causes.

Innovation is deeply embedded in Zurich's DNA, with world-class institutions like ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich contributing to a vibrant scientific and research ecosystem. 

Approximately 22% of Zurich’s foundations are focused on science and research, benefiting from the city's unique atmosphere of innovation. This dynamic environment encourages the development of forward-thinking solutions to global challenges, making the Zurich area an ideal location for foundations committed to driving societal change.

Recognizing the social and economic value of the foundation sector, the Canton of Zurich actively promotes dialogue between foundations, state agencies, and stakeholders. 

Through initiatives like the annual Foundation Dialogue Series, organized in partnership with SwissFoundations, Zurich fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities. This proactive engagement underscores Zurich’s commitment to creating a thriving foundation sector that contributes to the region’s diversity and impact.