Foundations based in Switzerland are shifting their mission and involvement with organizations across the globe. While they value proof of impact, they have also taken other roles such as advisors, allies, partners, investors and thought leaders. Many foundations are looking to strengthen their partnerships with organizations they support financially and establish sustainable (and occasionally long-term) relationships with non-profits and social enterprises. These new roles, however, are not without challenges. What can we learn? What are appropriate relationships? How do foundations reach out to the communities/partners they serve while bridging real and perceived power differentials?

Balloon Latam will reflect on the relationship it has developed with foundations in comparison with other grantmakers (e.g. development agencies, government funds, international NGOs and private corporations). This talk will focus on the grantee’s perspective and includes the following points:

• The level of influence foundations have in steering the direction of an organization or project
• Balancing acts between administrating a fund to fulfill foundations’ requirements and doing the job on the ground
• Level of understanding of a cause and the need for foundations to appreciate the challenging context in which grantees operate
• Best practice for grant-making in the South

Balloon Latam is a social enterprise that through entrepreneurship delivers tools for the development of rural communities in Chile. More about Balloon Latam

Please register via members@swissfoundations.ch

Please indicate if you participate on-site* (on-site participation is capped at 7 persons, first come first serve) or virtually (to receive the Webex details).

*Morgartenstrasse 1, 8004 Zurich