Dear reader,
Philanthropy, in its literal sense, ought to have a very comfortable, nay, superb relationship with diversity: if you like people, you also like their differences. And supporting others means allowing them to shine in the best possible light. Diversity means not taking centre stage yourself, but sharing your place in the sun. With other people, and with very different people, and with unimaginably different people. If a variety of people live alongside and with each other, then ultimately everyone benefits. Diversity creates added value. That’s the firm belief not only of sociologists, but also teachers and business leaders. Difficulties only arise when you get to the specifics. As demonstrated recently to great effect by the soon-departing Swiss Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer, who indicated that he would be happy to give up his place in the sun – but only to either a man or a woman, if you please. And presumably the woman should be childless…? Diversity depends on your point of view.
So what’s the situation in the charity sector? No worse, but also no better than in the rest of the world, reports an empirical study conducted by Laetitia Gill at the University of Geneva. But philanthropy should be a frontrunner when it comes to diversity and practise ‘modern grantmaking’, according to guidebook author Gemma Bull. Including StiftungSchweiz? Yes. Dear reader, we are issuing you an invitation. Help us shape our future! Take your place – in the sun. Happy reading!
Peter Buss and Stefan Schöbi
Change of management as of 1 November 2022
Philanthropy Services AG
