Foundations in Central Switzerland

Foundations in Central Switzerland: Regional Foundation Landscape

Central Switzerland, also known as Innerschweiz, comprises the cantons of Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, and Zug. In total, there are 1,439 foundations based in the greater Central Switzerland region. With diverse areas of focus, projects, and sponsoring organizations, the foundation landscape in Central Switzerland is varied and offers a suitable foundation for a wide range of causes. The foundation landscape in Central Switzerland is also subject to significant fluctuations. According to the 26th Swiss Foundation Report, 54 new foundations were established in the region in 2025. In the same year, a total of 26 nonprofit organizations and foundations were dissolved in the cantons of Central Switzerland.

Overall, the number of foundations has been increasing for some time – in Central Switzerland as well as in the whole country. On the one hand, this is good news: more engagement, more philanthropy, more grants and scholarships. On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly difficult for interested parties to keep track. For this reason, foundation registers have become an indispensable part of the foundation landscape. They enable matching between foundations, funders, companies, volunteers on the one hand and nonprofit projects and organisations on the other.

Sponsoring, Fundraising & Collecting Donations: Foundations in Central Switzerland

Grant-making organizations in Central Switzerland are active in all relevant funding areas. Art and culture, education, health, recreation and sports, and social issues are areas addressed by many foundations in Central Switzerland. These foundations operate not only at the cantonal level but also throughout Switzerland, across Europe, and worldwide. Foundations have an international focus, particularly in humanitarian aid and development work. As the urban center of the greater Central Switzerland region, Lucerne is also the canton with the most foundations—549 in total. For example, Viva con Agua and the Hospice Central Switzerland Foundation are headquartered here. But Zug, too, offers an extensive and diverse foundation landscape with 459 foundations. Zug is an economically very stable canton that is home to many companies. The potential for establishing new foundations is particularly high here, as many companies are setting up their own foundations.

Find Suitable Projects & Foundations based in Central Switzerland in the Foundation Register

A foundation directory like Spheriq.ch allows users to search specifically for certain subject areas, regions, and funding organizations. People looking for a foundation usually have a specific goal in mind—whether it’s volunteering, supporting a particular cause, or securing funding for their own project. Foundations, for their part, can use these platforms to find volunteers and projects worthy of support. Blogs and portals offer ideas and inspiration for anyone who hasn’t yet decided on a project. Those with a more general interest in philanthropy and charitable work are presented with particularly interesting, editorially curated projects and foundations.