Fondation Leenaards is a Lausanne-based public-benefit foundation that supports the common good through culture, science, health, and social cohesion in the Arc lémanique and wider Switzerland. It is especially distinctive for combining substantial, invitation-based cultural support for emerging and established artists with competitive research prizes and newer initiatives aimed at ecological transition and care-system transformation. Nonprofits and research partners that align with participation, inclusion, and systems-level change are the best fit, particularly in Vaud, Geneva, and the Lake Geneva region.
Mix of invite-only prizes and open calls, with grant sizes ranging from CHF 5,000–10,000 for emerging artists to CHF 30,000 for cultural awards and about CHF 700,000 for biomedical research prizes. Cultural bourses and prizes are often nomination- or invitation-based, while some project support and research programs have formal annual application windows; most funding is regionally focused and program-specific rather than open general grantmaking.
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Check the specific program: some opportunities are invite-only, while others accept annual applications with strict deadlines. For open calls, apply well in advance and ensure the project fits the region (Vaud, Geneva, Arc lémanique) and the program theme; for social/aging initiatives, the foundation asks for online submission at least four months before the planned start date.
Current and upcoming funding from Fondation Leenaards that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: Projects aligned with one of three axes: producing/consuming differently; agroecology and right to food; new narratives and climate advocacy.
Who can apply: Organizations with projects that experiment with innovative models, strengthen the role of patients/citizens/caregivers, or evolve narratives on health.
Who can apply: Support is focused on initiatives that combat abstention, foster new forms of citizen contribution, or develop local commons and third places.
Who can apply: Associations, institutions and foundations from Vaud and Geneva; projects may be punctual or structural; three orientations: young people, seniors, and living together.
Deadline: Submit at least 4 months before project realization.
Who can apply: Associations, institutions and foundations from Vaud/Geneva; projects must stimulate creation or propose innovative interpretations; must be carried by professional artists.
Deadline: Submit at least 4 months before project realization.
Who can apply: Soutien aux associations, institutions et fondations vaudoises et genevoises; projet ponctuel ou structurel.
Who can apply: Projets portés par artistes professionnel·le·s et structures culturelles vaudoises/genevoises; soumission en ligne requise au moins 4 mois avant la réalisation.
Who can apply: Ouvert aux scientifiques de l'arc lémanique; projets de recherche biomédicale translationnelle sur les maladies humaines.
Deadline: Appel 2026: 8 janvier – 2 mars 2026 (cycle annuel)
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.