Albert Koechlin Stiftung (AKS) is a private, place-based foundation focused on the common good in Central Switzerland, especially the Innerschweiz region. It supports practical, need-based initiatives across culture, education, social inclusion, economic development, and environmental stewardship, with a strong emphasis on helping people and organizations build capacity and create lasting regional impact. A notable feature of its giving is its deep investment in local cultural talent, regional film, sustainable event infrastructure, startups, and ecological recognition programs.
Annual Giving$13.5M
Focus Areas
Central Switzerland Community DevelopmentRegional Film and Cultural ProductionEmerging Artists and Cultural Talent DevelopmentStartups and SME SupportSustainable Event Infrastructure and AccessibilityNature, Biodiversity, and Environmental Stewardship
Giving Approach
Primarily regional, program-based funding through recurring calls, prizes, fellowships, and targeted support measures. Grants are often modest-to-medium in size and tied to specific initiatives, while some programs are invite-only or award-based; AKS also offers microloans for SMEs rather than only grants.
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How to approach this funder
Watch the foundation’s website for periodic open calls and deadlines, as several programs are announced in specific application windows. Most opportunities are limited to organizations or individuals based in the Innerschweiz (LU, NW, OW, SZ, UR), and some offerings are competitive awards or invite-only rather than open grant programs. Tailor proposals to clear regional benefit, feasibility, and practical impact, especially in culture, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.
Notable grantees:
• Innerschweizer Filmschaffende
• Kulturschaffende aller Sparten
• Innovative Jungunternehmen aus der Innerschweiz
• Kulturbetriebe und Veranstaltende
• Natürliche oder juristische Personen mit besonderen Umweltleistungen
Open Grant Opportunities
Current and upcoming funding from Albert Koechlin Stiftung AKS that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowCloses Oct 13, 2026Award: $15K – $50K
INTRO – Innerschweizer Kurzfilmwettbewerb
culturefilmyoung creatives
Who can apply: For filmmakers at the beginning of their professional activity; short film projects under 30 minutes; competition runs in two rounds.
Deadline: First round submission deadline for 2026 is 13 October 2026.
Who can apply: Landwirtschaftliche Vorhaben mit Bezug zu Betriebsstrategien, Tierwohl, artgerechter Schweinehaltung oder Bio-Produktion; außerdem Betriebe in finanzieller Notlage.
Deadline: Ausschreibung mit wechselnden Fristen; im Scrape keine konkrete Frist genannt.
Who can apply: Projektidee muss dem Stiftungszweck entsprechen und einen direkten Bezug zur Innerschweiz haben. Eingereicht werden müssen Projektbeschrieb, Beschreibung der beantragten Unterstützung sowie Budget und Finanzierungsplan.
Who can apply: Für Filmschaffende am Anfang ihrer beruflichen Tätigkeit; Kurzfilmprojekte unter 30 Minuten; erste oder zweite Filmproduktion; Innerschweiz-Bezug.
Deadline: Eingabeschluss für die erste Runde: 13. Oktober 2026.
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.