Fondation Philanthropique Famille Sandoz supports projects that contribute to a more creative, equitable, and sustainable society, with a clear emphasis on initiatives rooted in French-speaking Switzerland and selective international humanitarian work. Its giving spans culture and heritage, social inclusion, education, environmental action, and humanitarian response, with a newer strategic push into sustainable food systems as a way to address poverty and environmental stress. The foundation also runs a distinct academic talent program that funds early-career professorships in eligible universities in French-speaking Switzerland, indicating a strong interest in research capacity and long-term intellectual development.
Focus Areas
Sustainable Food SystemsHumanitarian Relief and Food SecurityCulture and Heritage PreservationSocial Inclusion and Migrant IntegrationAcademic Talent Development in French-Speaking SwitzerlandEnvironmental Resilience
Giving Approach
Mixed grantmaking: an open, program-based application process for nonprofits with no fixed public deadline (applications should be submitted at least four months before project start), plus invite-only annual awards for university professorships through the Monique de Meuron program. Grants appear to support both project funding and institutional capacity/operating needs in selected sectors, with a strong geographic focus on Switzerland—especially Romandie—from 2026 onward, alongside some international humanitarian partnerships.
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How to approach this funder
For open programs, submit a complete application at least four months before the planned project start and note that organizations are generally limited to one application at a time. Tailor proposals to the foundation’s thematic priorities and geographic scope, especially if working in culture, social inclusion, environment, humanitarian aid, or sustainable food systems; the university professorship program is invite-only and run through an annual nomination process by eligible universities.
Notable grantees:
• Medair
• Caritas Suisse
• Fondation IPT
• Multimondo
• Musée Jenisch
Open Grant Opportunities
Current and upcoming funding from Fondation Philanthropique Famille Sandoz that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Open nowRolling / open intake
Culture et Patrimoine
CulturePatrimoineArts and creativity+2 more
Who can apply: Primarily supports associations, foundations or institutions of pure public utility. Organizations must have their registered office in Switzerland. From 2026, only projects active in French-speaking Switzerland are eligible. Exclusions include one-off performances, film fiction production, music album production, art purchases, reviews, construction/renovation projects, conferences/seminars, fundraising projects, and sponsorship.
Deadline: At least 4 months before project start; one request per year per organization.
EducationTraining and professionalizationSocial activities+4 more
Who can apply: Primarily supports associations, foundations or institutions of pure public utility. Organizations must have their registered office in Switzerland. From 2026, only projects active in French-speaking Switzerland are eligible.
Deadline: At least 4 months before project start; one request per year per organization.
Humanitarian aidEnvironmentAquatic ecosystems+7 more
Who can apply: For projects in Switzerland, the foundation now concentrates environmental support on aquatic and soil ecosystems. For humanitarian projects, it responds to essential needs of vulnerable populations and offers development perspectives to disadvantaged populations. Swiss projects outside the detailed environmental axes are not eligible. The general application rules require a Swiss-registered public-benefit organization for most requests, and from 2026 only projects active in French-speaking Switzerland are eligible except for humanitarian action and environment.
Deadline: At least 4 months before project start; one request per year per organization.
Programme « Les systèmes alimentaires durables » (thématique / new programme)
Sustainable food systemsFood securityAgroecology+2 more
Who can apply: No separate public eligibility criteria are provided on the scraped pages; referenced as a new program under the FPFS humanitarian and environment program portfolio.
Who can apply: Organisations must be non-profit (association, foundation or institution of public utility) with their legal seat in Switzerland. One application per organisation per year. Projects must be submitted in French (exceptionally English). From 2026, projects must be active in Suisse romande except for Action humanitaire and Environnement. Exclusions apply (individual aid, commercial entities, public authorities except cantonal/communal museums, universities, certain project types listed on exclusions).
Deadline: No fixed public deadline; submit at least four months before project start. One application per organisation per year. Committees meet regularly.
Deadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.