Open Call: Environmental Sustainability Program in Swiss Cultural Sector (Switzerland)

Pro Helvetia offers grants up to CHF 50,000 to Swiss cultural institutions to run sustainability-focused events or develop practical work tools. The program supports initiatives that drive structural change in the cultural sector and create scalable models for environmental sustainability.

Program Overview

Pro Helvetia’s funding measure encourages Swiss cultural institutions and organisations to integrate environmental sustainability into their practices. The initiative targets projects that not only raise awareness but also generate tangible, scalable outcomes for the broader cultural sector.

Funding Details

• Grant Amount: Up to CHF 50,000

• Eligible Activities:

  • Publicly accessible events (workshops, discussion series, hybrid formats)

  • Development of practical work tools (guides, checklists, toolkits)

• Coverage: Conceptual planning, speaker/expert fees, communications, tool design, publication, and translation

• Exclusions: Infrastructure, equipment, ongoing operating costs, private or promotional events

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a cultural institution or organisation based in Switzerland

• Projects must be publicly accessible

• Events or tools should demonstrate relevance beyond one-off initiatives

• Work tools must be adaptable for use by other institutions

• Projects must uphold high professional standards and demonstrate expertise in environmental sustainability

Why It Matters

• Promotes structural change within the Swiss cultural sector

• Encourages development of scalable models and practical tools

• Combines creativity and climate action, integrating sustainability into cultural practices

• Supports institutions in leading by example to influence broader sectoral behavior

How to Apply

1. Define a project focusing on events or practical sustainability tools

2. Ensure the initiative is publicly accessible and has broader relevance

3. Prepare a budget detailing eligible costs (planning, speaker fees, publication, translation)

4. Submit the application to Pro Helvetia year-round via the official portal

5. Await review based on project impact, scalability, and professional quality

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight how your project can drive lasting institutional change

• Demonstrate expertise in environmental sustainability

• Design work tools with adaptability and replication potential

• Focus on public engagement and accessibility

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount? CHF 50,000

2. Can projects be ongoing initiatives? Yes, as long as they create lasting impact

3. Are private or promotional events eligible? No, projects must be publicly accessible

4. Can infrastructure or equipment costs be funded? No

5. Can tools be used by other organisations? Yes, scalability and adaptability are required

6. Is there a fixed application deadline? No, applications are accepted year-round

7. Who can apply? Swiss-based cultural institutions and organisations

Conclusion

Pro Helvetia’s grant offers Swiss cultural institutions a unique opportunity to embed environmental sustainability into their practices. By supporting events and work tools that influence institutional behavior and create scalable solutions, this funding empowers the cultural sector to take meaningful action on climate change while fostering innovation and professional excellence.