The Swiss Foundation Barometer surveys moods, strategies and trends in the Swiss foundation landscape every year, shedding light on the dynamics in Switzerland’s foundation sector. It was launched in 2019 in cooperation with Zürcher Kantonalbank and proFonds, the umbrella association for nonprofit foundations.
Long-term trends
After four editions of the barometer, it is clear that many of the moods and trends shown are of a continuous nature. The biggest challenge for the sector is – and will remain – financing and the search for funding partners, followed by raising awareness of nonprofit activities and projects. Hansjörg Schmidt, Head of Key Clients Foundations at Zürcher Kantonalbank:
‘We are pleased that the trend towards digital communication is finding a foothold, as is the trend towards the sustainable investment of a foundation’s assets.
Another perennial issue is the desire for less bureaucracy. The proportion of trustees who receive expenses (32 per cent) or a fee (18 per cent) has also remained stable.
Turning a survey into a panel
The overarching circumstances provide an incentive for the Foundation Barometer to start a new chapter: the survey is being turned into a panel in which all nonprofits and funders would be very welcome to participate. To do so, they need to have a (free) profile on stiftungschweiz.ch and have fully completed the statistics section containing data on the foundation’s assets, the funding and project funds invested, and the current thematic focus.
A panel has two major advantages over a survey. Firstly, it requires significantly less effort from the participating organisations, as the previous year’s data can be copied and modified. Secondly, detailed analyses can be undertaken.
The first event will be supported by an academic group made up of representatives from the Universities of Basel, Bern and Geneva, including Dominik Meier from the Center for Philanthropy Studies at the University of Basel:
‘The panel creates more precise data – an advancement that requires trust.’
An individual benchmark
Without solid data, it’s impossible to generate sound statistics on the sector. Lucía Gómez Teijeiro from the Geneva Centre for Philanthropy explains:
‘The new approach will significantly improve the data available on Swiss philanthropy – provided that enough participants get involved.’
As a result, it’s important that participation is worthwhile. In addition to the statistical analysis of the sector, an individual benchmark report is planned. This will show a participating organisation where it stands within Switzerland’s philanthropic landscape, who its allies are or could be, and where room for manoeuvre and funding gaps are to be found. The project will be launched as soon as 300 organisations participate in the panel – so, on your marks, get set, go!
We’ve already started looking to the future and are presenting three special in-depth analyses (see right-hand page). Hansjörg Schmidt says: ‘The details reveal exciting developments – and that’s just the beginning.’ The new panel will make it possible to respond even more quickly to trends in the future, collect reliable data and convincingly demonstrate the contribution that philanthropy makes to society.
Artificial intelligence on the rise
Philanthropy is also increasingly making use of the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI), though funders are taking a much more cautious and sceptical approach than nonprofits. In addition to efficiency gains, it is hoped that this technology will assist with developing new solutions to societal challenges. The recently published Routledge Handbook on AI & Philanthropy, a project made possible by Fondation Botnar, highlights specific perspectives. Siddhartha Jha, AI and Digital Innovation Lead at Botnar: ‘We are gradually learning what AI can do for philanthropy – and what philanthropy can do for AI.’
Full analysis online: thephil.ch/24ki
Shortage of skilled workers in the nonprofit sector
The survey, conducted in parallel by Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, shows that Switzerland and Canada are facing similar challenges. At the same time, it highlights significant differences in the job market between North America and Switzerland. Laetitia Gill, Course Co-Director at the University of Geneva: ‘While recruitment processes in Canada primarily fail because of the candidates’ salary expectations, in Switzerland we are also experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in the nonprofit sector.’ Digitalisation carries similar weight in both markets: digital skills are expected in more than half of all newly filled roles.
Full analysis online: thephil.ch/24fach
Digitalisation fails owing to costs
The Foundation Barometer looked at what is known as the application pathway for the first time: does a foundation continue to accept applications by post, or is it only open to digital applications? Digital solutions are on the rise. In 70 per cent of cases, however, this entails downloading a PDF form, filling it in and submitting it by email; only 30 per cent of respondents have digital systems in use. What’s interesting about this is that, from the point of view of the funding organisations, the biggest obstacle is the excessive cost of these systems. ‘Lack of willingness on the part of the board of trustees’ comes in second place.
