Strengthening democracy

The Vontobel Foundation supports various initiatives that promote social cohesion and understanding.

In the field of Culture and Society, we back initiatives by recognized and respected organizations that foster unity and build bridges between different demographic groups and generations. The projects we support are transformative in nature and have a wide-ranging impact, focusing on initiatives grounded in the values of freedom, security, and responsibility. Together, we contribute to a strong democracy.

Some examples of support we provided

“Everything’s Fake – Or Is It?”: Promoting Confidence in Dealing with Media and AI

The Public and Society Research Center of the University of Zurich (“fög”) is launching an educational project called “Everything’s Fake – Or Is It?” for schools. It encourages young people to engage with media and Artificial Intelligence and to their own media consumption. The Vontobel Foundation is supporting this project from 2025 to 2028.

An exhibition from the Stapferhaus, where a visitor walks through the exhibition.

Stapferhaus: Encouraging Dialogue; Reducing Polarization

The Vontobel Foundation is supporting the Stapferhaus with basic funding over three years, from 2024 to 2026, to help the organization strengthen its work leading dialogue and finding solutions in society to counteract polarization and find common answers for the future.

In the Service of a Strong Digital-Political Civil Society

Technologies and algorithmic systems are meant to strengthen justice, democracy, human rights, and sustainability for everyone. This is the declared goal of AlgorithmWatch CH, which is supported by the Vontobel Foundation through core funding from 2025 to 2028.

Entrance to the Jewish Museum, where two young girls jump into the air.

Admonishing Us Never to Forget

The Jewish Museum of Switzerland aims to professionalize and expand its educational offerings to preserve historical awareness. The Vontobel Foundation supports this endeavor.

Preferences

We give preference to projects that:

follow innovative methods and produce measurable results
have the potential to be replicable and achieve broad impact
foster the resilience of individuals and communities
pave the way to sustainable financing models
aim to achieve realistic goals over several years
build on a realistic risk analysis and require minimal reserves
are transparent and have an excellent chance of success

Exclusion criteria

We collaborate with partners of our choosing and, therefore, do not accept applications in the area of Culture. This includes:

Theater productions
Exhibitions
Concerts
Book and film productions
Festivals

There is no entitlement to the Foundation’s services. They remain at the discretion of the Foundation Board. In the case of a rejection, we ask for your understanding that we do not provide justification for our decision.

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