At Colehill Capital, we know that philanthropy is a profoundly personal journey and an opportunity to turn your values into enduring, positive impact. Every family’s vision is unique, and whether your interests lie in humanitarian relief, education, health or social innovation, we offer expert guidance to help you identify, assess and support outstanding charitable organisations in line with your beliefs and objectives.
Below, we highlight a selection of respected philanthropic platforms and networks operating in Switzerland and across Europe. These are just a few among the many options available, and our recommendations are always bespoke, meticulously tailored to each client’s goals, passions and the legacy they wish to create.
Swiss umbrella foundation
Switzerland
2007
Fondation des Fondateurs stands as Switzerland’s leading umbrella foundation, offering families and individuals an efficient and highly professional way to establish dedicated sub-foundations, essentially ‘foundations within the foundation’. This structure provides donors with the flexibility to define their own charitable purpose while benefitting from expert governance, legal compliance and a monitored portfolio of impactful projects. The professional foundation board oversees all legal, fiduciary and administrative requirements in line with rigorous Swiss standards. Administrative costs are shared across all sub-foundations, making this an attractive and accessible solution even for those not wishing to create a fully independent entity. Donors can benefit from the foundation’s wide network of partners and expertise, enjoying privacy, cost-efficiency and robust compliance as they fulfil their philanthropic vision.
Umbrella foundation and platform for donor-advised funds
Geneva, Switzerland
2006
The Swiss Philanthropy Foundation is a trusted, independent platform that enables significant, flexible giving through donor-advised funds and collaborative thematic initiatives. Families can support a broad range of projects both within Switzerland and internationally, all without the complexity of creating a stand-alone foundation. The foundation’s dedicated team manages administrative, legal and compliance requirements, allowing donors to focus on shaping their charitable vision and strategy. Regular transparent reporting, impact measurement and the foundation’s strong reputation for professionalism make this an excellent choice for those seeking convenience and confidence. The Swiss Philanthropy Foundation is also a member of Transnational Giving Europe, enabling efficient, tax-advantaged international giving.
Pan-European cross-border giving network
Active in 19 European countries
Transnational Giving Europe is a unique network that allows donors to support charitable projects and organisations across 19 European countries in a tax-efficient and secure manner. By partnering with leading philanthropic foundations in each country, TGE ensures that donors receive relevant local tax advantages while guaranteeing that recipient organisations have passed thorough due diligence processes. Their digital platform makes international giving accessible, straightforward and transparent, ideal for donors seeking to make an impact across borders, whether supporting humanitarian, educational, medical or environmental causes.
European philanthropic membership network and advocacy body
Brussels, Belgium
Philanthropy Europe Association
Philea (formerly the European Foundation Centre) is the leading network connecting hundreds of Europe’s most prominent philanthropic foundations, institutions and partners. This influential organisation promotes collaboration, innovation and best practice across the sector by providing forums for knowledge-sharing, professional development, and joint initiatives on matters such as democracy, climate action, inclusion and more. Philea actively engages policymakers on regulatory and ethical standards, supporting a healthy and effective ecosystem for giving across Europe. Donors and families engaging with Philea and its member organisations tap into extensive expertise, pioneering research and exceptional networking opportunities, amplifying the reach, learning and impact of their philanthropy.
