A directory of ethical and sustainable charities and foundations
A directory of ethical and sustainable charities and foundations
Every child deserves a future – whether in Switzerland or around the world. With this conviction, the association tirelessly supports the most disadvantaged children.
Every child deserves a future – whether in Switzerland or around the world. With this conviction, the Save the Children Switzerland association has been providing uncompromising and tireless support to the most disadvantaged children since 2006. Rooted in Switzerland, Save the Children has been the world’s leading child rights organization since 1919. Thanks to our local roots in 120 countries, we know the situation on the ground, adapt our projects accordingly and can help immediately in an emergency. We make a lasting and positive change in the lives of children, especially in crises, on the run or in slums. In Switzerland, we have been working for refugee children since 2015 and have great expertise in the area of asylum and migration.
Mission 21 works in 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America in the context of development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
Mission 21 works in 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America within the framework of development cooperation and humanitarian aid to promote peace, education, health, food sovereignty while preserving natural resources, income generation and gender justice.
The goal is a life in dignity for all and a contribution to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment together with local partners is combined with programs for transcultural and interreligious exchange as well as for promoting understanding of global interrelationships.
Swiss Mountain Aid is a foundation financed exclusively by donations and has been helping people in the Swiss mountains since 1943.
Swiss Mountain Aid is a foundation financed exclusively by donations and has been helping people in the Swiss mountains since 1943. Swiss Mountain Aid supports projects that create jobs and add value in the mountain region. In this way, it counteracts emigration and ensures that the mountain regions remain vibrant in the future. Swiss Mountain Aid supports projects of initiative people for the further development of their living space with financial contributions. Volunteer experts ensure that the donations are used effectively.
The SOS Children’s Village protects children at risk from losing their families and helps families to shape their own future.
For the good of the children
We protect vulnerable children from losing their families, provide loving homes for children in need, help families shape their own futures, and promote the sustainable development of entire communities.
We are active on five continents with 559 Children’s Villages and 719 family strengthening programs for children and families.
Thanks to your support, we enable children in need to have a self-determined future. Your donation also contributes to the achievement of the SDG’s, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which SOS Children’s Villages is committed to as a ZEWO-certified NGO.
MYBLUEPLANET is an independent, non-profit association that promotes concrete climate protection in Switzerland.
MYBLUEPLANET is an independent, non-profit association that promotes concrete climate protection in Switzerland. As a leading climate change organization, we develop innovative projects that enable our partners – individuals, businesses, schools, and communities – to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within their sphere of influence. Our strength and motivation is based on our agility in developing new activities and establishing them with the aim of accompanying Switzerland on the path to net zero.
The Pro Mente Sana Foundation is comprehensively committed to strengthening mental health in Switzerland.
The Pro Mente Sana Foundation is comprehensively committed to strengthening mental health in Switzerland. It informs, educates and offers, among other things:
Furthermore, Pro Mente Sana is involved in health promotion, prevention (first aid courses ensa) and recovery.
Our vision is a world in which we have overcome hunger and even the poorest people live healthy, dignified and self-determined lives.
Commitment to a world without hunger. Our vision is a world in which we have overcome hunger and even the poorest people live healthy, dignified and self-determined lives.
We are creating sustainable and equitable solutions to the global food crisis.
Our mission reflects the values that SWISSAID has represented and promoted since its beginnings. We are convinced that by acting together in the South and the North, we can successfully implement our mission and thus contribute to sustainably improving the living conditions and prospects of vulnerable populations.
Cerebral supports children and adults who have been affected by cerebral movement disability, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy since birth.
Thank you for your support!
With your donation you support children and adults who have been affected by a cerebral movement disability, spina bifida or muscular dystrophy since birth and their relatives in Switzerland. They help make everyday life easier, promote mobility and independence, and provide financial assistance in difficult life situations.
We guarantee careful use of your donation.
FIZ Fachstelle Frauenhandel und Frauenmigration works for the protection and rights of migrants who are affected by violence and exploitation.
FIZ Fachstelle Frauenhandel und Frauenmigration works for the protection and rights of migrants who are affected by violence and exploitation. FIZ runs the counseling center for migrants and the specialized victim protection program for trafficked persons. FIZ also does educational and political work. FIZ works on a communal, cantonal, national and international level. FIZ was founded in 1985 and is an independent, politically and denominationally neutral association with over 35 employees.
The Lung League advises and cares for people with lung and respiratory diseases.
The Lung League is a national, non-profit service organisation for lungs and respiratory tract.
The Lung League advises and cares for people with lung and respiratory diseases and supports them in dealing with their illness so that they can live as symptom-free and independently as possible and achieve a higher quality of life. Well-connected in professional terms, it represents the concerns of its patients and promotes their self-help. With prevention and political commitment, the Lung League works to ensure that fewer and fewer people fall ill with lung and respiratory diseases
A society free from violence, oppression and alcohol- and drug-related disease – that is our vision;
A society free from violence, oppression and alcohol- and drug-related disease – that is our vision; The work includes the implementation and promotion of alcohol and drug prevention programmes, therapy and counselling for those affected as well as lobbying and policy advice. IBC works in accordance with the prioritised UN development goals and has consultative status with UN ECOSOC.
Our vision is to save lives and provide first aid together.
Around 19,000 Samaritans are active in rescue, health and social services; In doing so, we are present with over 328,000 hours of ambulance services every year and provide rapid medical support in emergencies. We train over 120,000 course participants and work with the authorities. Our first responders are called on 144 and provide immediate life-saving assistance until the ambulance arrives. In addition, we organise local blood donation campaigns.
FRAGILE Suisse is the Swiss patient and disability organisation for people with brain injury and relatives.
Since 1990, we have been the only organisation in Switzerland dedicated exclusively to people – who are in need of support after a stroke, craniocerebral trauma, brain tumour or other brain injury. With social counselling, assisted living, leisure and self-help offers, we help them on their way back to a life that is as self-determined as possible. In addition, we are committed to the concerns of those affected in public and give them a voice.
Pro Infirmis is the first point of contact throughout Switzerland for people with physical, cognitive and mental disabilities and their relatives.
Around 1.7 million people with a disability live in Switzerland, and they are still disadvantaged in many areas of life.
With 50 offices and counselling centres in all parts of the country, Pro Infirmis is the first point of contact in Switzerland for people with physical, cognitive and mental disabilities and their relatives. For over 100 years, Pro Infirmis has been working to ensure that they can participate in society on an equal footing and creates perspectives for those affected so that they too can shape their lives in a self-determined manner. Pro Infirmis is a non-profit, tax-exempt association based in Zurich and is politically independent and denominationally neutral.
The Alpine Initiative aims to protect the unique and ecologically sensitive Alpine region and to preserve it as a habitat.
As an independent Swiss environmental organisation, we implement a sustainable transport policy and are committed to effective climate protection measures; To ensure that the Alps are preserved for the next generation, we develop solutions with foresight, raise awareness among politicians and the public and make the mountain regions tangible.
TIR is committed to strong legal animal welfare.
TIR is committed to strong legal animal welfare. Due to our persistent and serious work, we are known not only as a trustworthy animal welfare organisation, but also as a centre of competence for animal issues in law, ethics and society. In the conviction that the law and its binding enforcement are important pillars for effective animal protection, our work focuses on creating the legal basis for these improvements;
Caritas Switzerland prevents, alleviates and combats poverty in Switzerland and in around 20 countries worldwide.
Together with the regional Caritas organisations, Caritas Switzerland is committed to helping people who are affected by poverty in Switzerland: Families, single parents, asylum seekers, working poor.
All over the world, Caritas, together with locally based partners, provides emergency aid in disasters and is involved in reconstruction. With projects in development cooperation, Caritas works to help people in need in the areas of income, climate and migration.
Procap is the largest member association of and for people with disabilities in Switzerland.
Helvetas is a Swiss development organisation and is active in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Helvetas focuses on helping people to help themselves and strengthens disadvantaged people and communities. In the partner countries, more than 1,500 local employees worldwide work to improve the living conditions of people living in poverty; The projects focus on water, food and climate, economic development and labour, women’s empowerment, social voice and better framework conditions. Helvetas also provides humanitarian aid after disasters.
The foundation supports children and young people with their parents on their way to becoming self-determined and responsible personalities.
The foundation supports children and young people with their parents on their way to becoming self-determined and responsible personalities.
As the largest Swiss foundation for the promotion of children and young people, Pro Juventute is active where children and young people have the greatest need for
Meeting challenges. Pro Juventute is there for children, adolescents and young adults: as a companion, advocate and emergency helper. The foundation provides direct and effective help with a wide range of services; More than 300,000 children and young people and almost 140,000 parents in Switzerland benefit from this every year.
The Swiss Heritage Society, together with its sections, is committed to the built heritage and valuable urban and rural spaces.
Aiducation aims to give underprivileged and high-achieving youth access to quality education.
In addition, Aiducation facilitates the transition into the world of work and entrepreneurship through career programmes and the Start Up Fund. To multiply this impact, the global alumni network connects future decision-makers virtually and physically.
The Swiss AIDS Federation is an umbrella organisation of independent cantonal, regional and national non-profit organisations;
We are a nationwide network, a competence centre and a contact point in the field of HIV and other STIs. Sexual and mental health are at the heart of our work. We provide advice and support to people affected by HIV/Aids or hepatitis. We fight discrimination and exclusion.
We are there when it’s “Your child has cancer”. Because this sentence turns the life of the whole family upside down. Nothing is as it was.
Insecurity and fear take the place of security and light-heartedness in everyday life. This is where Kinderkrebshilfe Schweiz helps. With activities, direct financial aid as well as aftercare services, we give energy, make people emotionally strong and can improve the situation of those affected on all levels. That is our heart’s goal.
We support, help, accompany. Committed, unbureaucratic, personal. Since 1987.
HEKS, the aid organisation of the Swiss Protestant Reformed Church, supports projects to combat poverty and injustice in around 30 countries.
HEKS, the aid organisation of the Swiss Protestant Reformed Church, supports projects to combat poverty and injustice in around 30 countries and provides humanitarian aid worldwide for the victims of natural disasters or armed conflicts. In Switzerland, HEKS campaigns for the rights and concerns of refugees and socially disadvantaged people. With development and socio-political work in the areas of climate justice, the right to land and food, migration and inclusion, HEKS is working towards systemic change – worldwide and in Switzerland.
The Dargebotene Hand is the best-known contact point for emotional first aid in Switzerland/FL.
Die Dargebotene Hand – La Main Tendue – Telefono amico
The Dargebotene Hand is the best-known contact point for emotional first aid in Switzerland/FL. She offers empathic conversations on a professional level. The offer is free, anonymous and available 7/24 – primarily for adults. All topics are welcome. Contact is possible by phone, email or chat.
Tel 143 is politically and denominationally neutral and bears the ZEWO seal of approval. It is financed 9% by its own contributions, 28% by institutional contributions and 63% by donations. Around 700 volunteers supervised by professionals are at work in 12 regional offices;
Pro Natura is committed to preserving and promoting the natural diversity of animals, plants and habitats.
One of the pioneering acts of the organisation was the creation of the Swiss National Park. Today, Pro Natura protects over 750 nature reserves. With around 170,000 members and 25,000 loyal patrons, Pro Natura has a broad base of support; Donors form its financial backbone.
Since 1988, we have been committed to helping children affected by cancer and their families in the Basel region.
In the spirit of Pastor Sieber, the SWS support people in need with material, medical, social and pastoral help.
OceanCare tackles ocean pollution and advocates for an intact marine habitat.
OceanCare protects marine life
We take action against ocean pollution and work to keep marine habitats healthy and intact. And we ensure that endangered marine animals have a future. OceanCare has been UN Special Advisor on Marine Conservation since 2011.
“Kinderhilfe Emmaus is a Swiss NGO and supports needy children and their families in countries with the highest poverty rates.
The Swiss Landscape Protection Foundation (SL-FP) is committed to the preservation, maintenance and promotion of native landscapes.
Membership fees and donations are used effectively for the benefit of the landscape, so that not only we can enjoy beautiful landscapes today, but also future generations!
Since 1993, the Theodora Foundation has been pursuing the goal of brightening up the everyday lives of children in hospital and specialised institutions with joy and laughter.
Every year, these funny, magical characters give laughter and moments of happiness on thousands of children’s visits.
The dream doctors are specially trained and work in consultation with the nursing staff.
The Theodora Foundation offers six programmes tailored to the needs of the children
The foundation, which is recognised as a non-profit organisation, does not request any state subsidies; The funding of the weekly artist visits relies entirely on the support of donors and partners.
Solidar Suisse provides development cooperation and emergency humanitarian aid in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Southeast Europe.
Solidar Suisse fights extreme inequality and is committed to fair work, social justice and democratic co-determination. Local offices abroad coordinate our projects, which are implemented by around 120 local partner organisations. Our thematic focus areas include vocational training, women’s rights, food security and climate justice.
EcoSolidar promotes local projects in the areas of organic farming for food security, education and training of youth and empowerment of women.
We work in the areas of organic farming for food security, education and training of children and youth and empowerment of women. We support our local partner organisations in implementing their own initiatives and developing their organisation. This enables them to be active in the long term and bring about sustainable change in their communities.
Medair supports people in hard-to-reach areas who are in need due to conflict, disaster and disease.
Since 1989, Medair has provided emergency relief in 43 countries.
Every year, we provide humanitarian aid to over three million people, regardless of their nationality, religion, ethnic origin or gender. What drove us over 30 years ago is still the same today: every life counts, and where someone lives should not determine whether someone lives.
CARE stands for aid in war and crisis zones and long-term development cooperation. Our focus is on the protection and promotion of women and girls.
CARE Deutschland e.V. was founded in 1980 as the German part of the international CARE Federation and carries out aid projects in 45 countries. In Germany, we are also involved in intercultural learning and in promoting the integration of children and young people with a history of flight or migration;
International, non-violent and independent. The threads of Greenpeace in Central and Eastern Europe come together in the Austrian office.
International, non-violent and independent. The threads of Greenpeace in Central and Eastern Europe come together in the Austrian office. Whether protecting the Adriatic Sea in Croatia or saving Europe’s last primeval forests in the Carpathians – we are active on the ground to protect our environment. We use a variety of methods to identify problems and solutions. Greenpeace is the only major environmental protection organisation that does not accept money from the state or companies. This is the only way we can remain incorruptible and take a powerful and determined stand for a green future!
The organisation actively supports those people who need help most urgently in around 100 countries – regardless of ethnic origin, religion, nationality or gender.
The organisation actively supports those people who need help most urgently in around 100 countries – regardless of ethnic origin, religion, nationality or gender.
Every day, the aid organisation supports millions of children and families in need with targeted help for self-help in order to overcome poverty or injustice and preserve livelihoods for the future. Together with strong and locally anchored partners, we are committed to long-term development cooperation, provide emergency and disaster relief in crisis regions and actively campaign for children’s rights worldwide in order to achieve sustainable and measurable positive change.
For World Vision in Switzerland and Liechtenstein:
> worldvision.ch
For World Vision in Germany:
> worldvision.de
miva transports help to where it is needed.
CARE, known through the post-war CARE package, stands for aid in war and crisis zones and long-term development cooperation. Our focus is on the protection and promotion of women and girls.
CARE Deutschland e.V. was founded in 1980 as the German part of the international CARE Federation and carries out aid projects in 45 countries. In Germany, we are also involved in intercultural learning and in promoting the integration of children and young people with a history of flight or migration;
Right To Play is a global organisation that protects, educates and empowers children to overcome adversity through the power of play.
Right To Play is a global organisation that protects, educates and empowers children to overcome adversity through the power of play. We reach millions of children every year, helping them to go to school, protect themselves from exploitation and recover from their harsh realities, often characterised by war and abuse.
We do this by using play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child’s life, to give children the critical skills they need to overcome obstacles – in learning and in life.