Christoph Merian Foundation
How do you see philanthropy changing and what does this mean for your organisation?
Philanthropy today means facing up to the complexity of our times–- thinking in an interdisciplinary way, acting in a participatory manner and, last but not least, daring to experiment in an open, reflective and courageous way. The Christoph Merian Foundation (CMS) was established in 1857 ‘to alleviate need’ and ‘to promote the welfare of the people’. Our founder, Christoph Merian, had the foresight to refrain from making further stipulations ‘so as not to thwart a more contemporary use of the funds’. His will obliges us to constantly scrutinise and realign our actions – to keep moving and stay up to date.
What do you see as the biggest challenge in your new position?
With the Dreispitz, CMS owns a development area of around 50 hectares in the immediate vicinity of Basel SBB railway station. A new district with 800 flats, green spaces, shops and educational and leisure facilities is to be built in the north of this area. Openings under zoning law or specific construction projects are also being planned for the other Dreispitz areas and the numerous other sites owned by our foundation.
What role does innovation play in your organisation and where do you see potential?
For us, innovation means remaining capable of learning. This includes the conscious use of new tools and technologies. We see potential where technology helps us to gain time for the essentials: dialogue, new project ideas and thinking ahead together.
Baschi Dürr
Director
Christoph Merian Stiftung
Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation
What are your long-term goals in your new role and how do you intend to achieve them?
My goal is to fulfil the purpose of the foundation in accordance with the foundation charter, while at the same time addressing new needs and further developing grant-making instruments. In order to achieve this, it requires an understanding of the will of the founders and its translation into the present, but also knowledge of the needs of society in our funding areas.
What values are particularly important to you in leadership?
Courage has always been a value that has been particularly important to me. Courage to face uncomfortable answers to my (uncomfortable) questions. Courage to look where it hurts and where there is a need for renewal. Courage to make and/or implement difficult decisions and to take risks that cost something. And courage to learn from our mistakes and integrate real innovations.
How do you see the future of philanthropy in the next five to ten years?
The volume of contributions from the public sector to projects and programmes that promote the coexistence and continued existence of the global community in accordance with the UN development goals is currently decreasing. This unsettles project sponsor organisations and increases the pressure on other financial donors, especially philanthropic foundations. In ten years’ time, there will hopefully be new prospects for the future of coexistence on this planet, thanks in part to the far-sighted actions of philanthropic foundations.
Andrea Nagel
Managing Director
Stanley Thomas Johnson Foundation
