Open Call: Binding Foundation Grant Program (Switzerland)

The Binding Foundation offers grants from CHF 3,000 to CHF 100,000 per year for projects in Switzerland focusing on environment, social cohesion, and culture. Support is available as financial contributions or operational collaborations, with priority given to initiatives in biodiversity, children and adolescents, social cohesion, cultural heritage, arts, and early music. Applications must align with the foundation’s strategic focus and comply with eligibility criteria.

Overview of the Binding Foundation Grant Program

The Binding Foundation provides targeted support for projects that advance environmental sustainability, social development, and cultural preservation in Switzerland. Funding is designed to empower organizations to deliver impactful, high-quality initiatives across its focus areas.
Grants are offered in two primary forms:

1. Financial Contributions – Funding provided in response to formal requests, tailored to the project’s scope, budget, and duration.

2. Operational Engagement – Collaborative involvement where the foundation develops its own initiatives or partners with organizations on long-term multi-year projects.
   Funding amounts typically range from CHF 3,000 to CHF 100,000 per project per year, with multi-year projects potentially exceeding this range.

Key Focus Areas

The Binding Foundation prioritizes projects that align with its core operational sectors:

• Environment & Biodiversity: Protection of landscapes, ecosystems, and biological diversity.

• Children and Adolescents: Programs promoting social development, education, and welfare.

• Social Cohesion: Initiatives that strengthen community ties and social inclusion.

• Cultural Heritage & Arts: Preservation of architectural monuments, arts promotion, and early music.
  The foundation also encourages collaborative proposals for specialized programs such as Binding Sélection d’Artistes and Binding First Dance.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Geographic Scope: Projects must be implemented within Switzerland.

• Organizational Type: Registered non-profit organizations, NGOs, associations, or cultural institutions.

• Project Focus: Must align with the foundation’s sectors (environment, social work, culture).
  Ineligible applicants and projects:

• Individuals, families, or schools.

• Profit-oriented companies.

• Federal or cantonal authorities.

• Organizations running general fundraising campaigns.

• Projects outside Switzerland or falling under excluded categories (festivals, conferences, publications, scholarships, corporate foundations, economic projects, loans, or recurring organizational costs).

Why This Grant Matters

• Supports Sustainable Development: Encourages initiatives that protect ecosystems and cultural heritage.

• Strengthens Communities: Promotes social cohesion and youth development.

• Empowers Arts & Culture: Provides resources for creative programs, early music, and architectural preservation.

• Facilitates Long-Term Collaboration: Encourages partnerships and multi-year engagements for broader impact.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Identify Project Alignment: Ensure the project fits within the foundation’s focus areas.

2. Prepare a Detailed Proposal: Include objectives, expected impact, budget, and timeline.

3. Review Previous Grants: Understand the typical funding amounts and project scope supported by the foundation.

4. Submit Application: Contact the foundation via email or phone for collaboration proposals, or submit a formal written request for financial support.

5. Wait for Evaluation: Applications are reviewed based on alignment, feasibility, and impact potential.

6. Receive Notification: Successful applicants are informed of funding or operational collaboration arrangements.
   Tip: Multi-year projects may qualify for funding above the typical CHF 100,000 annual limit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Submitting projects outside Switzerland.

• Proposing initiatives outside the foundation’s focus areas.

• Applying as an ineligible entity (individuals, profit companies, government authorities).

• Requesting funding for excluded categories, including general fundraising, scholarships, conferences, and recurring costs.

• Failing to review previously funded projects for guidance on realistic funding expectations.

FAQ

1. What types of projects does the Binding Foundation fund?
Projects in environment, social cohesion, children and adolescents, cultural heritage, arts, and early music, implemented in Switzerland.
2. How much funding is available?
Financial support ranges from CHF 3,000 to CHF 100,000 per project per year, with potential for higher amounts in multi-year partnerships.
3. Can individuals apply?
No. Only registered non-profits, NGOs, associations, or cultural institutions are eligible.
4. Are projects outside Switzerland eligible?
No. All projects must be implemented within Switzerland.
5. How do I apply for operational collaboration?
Contact the foundation via email or phone to discuss collaboration for Binding Sélection d’Artistes or Binding First Dance programs.
6. Are multi-year projects supported?
Yes. Multi-year projects may receive funding exceeding the standard range and involve long-term collaboration.
7. What projects are explicitly excluded?
General fundraising campaigns, festivals, conferences, publications, scholarships, corporate foundations, economic projects, loans, or recurring organizational costs.

Conclusion

The Binding Foundation Grant Program offers Swiss organizations a unique opportunity to secure funding and operational support for impactful projects in environmental conservation, social cohesion, and cultural heritage. By aligning proposals with the foundation’s strategic priorities, applicants can access significant resources, build long-term partnerships, and create meaningful change in Swiss society.