Canton of Zurich to be further strengthened as a foundation location

(CONNECT) In 2025, the canton of Zurich will once again be the largest foundation location in Switzerland with over 2,200 charitable foundations. This is confirmed by the final report of the Directorate of Economic Affairs. The Swiss Foundation Report 2025 shows that the canton once again leads all cantons with 44 new foundations. "With total assets of over 18 billion Swiss francs, foundations not only promote the common good in the canton, but also strengthen Zurich as a business location and financial center," according to a press release.

The government council issued the mandate to strengthen the Canton of Zurich as a foundation location in 2023 after the number of new foundations had fallen significantly. The centerpiece was a reform of tax practice. In addition, an advisory center for the establishment of charitable foundations was created. In addition, the dialogue between state actors and private grant-making foundations was institutionalized and investments were made in the international positioning of the Canton of Zurich as a foundation location.

The Government Council will now be working with partners to establish the Zurich Foundation Association. According to Carmen Walker Späh, Director of Economic Affairs, its aim is to "make our foundation location even more attractive and to promote networking within the sector and with business and administration". Its main activities will include the Zurich Foundation Forum, an annual event for the entire foundation sector. ce/mm