Swiss households donate CHF 2.25 billion—but where does it really go?
Here is where Swiss charity funds flow
The Swiss population is generous: 82 percent of households donate. The donation statistics show where.
2025-12-05T04:54:58+00:00
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Swiss donations reached CHF 2.25 billion in 2024, with 82% of households contributing to charitable causes. The ZEWO Foundation, Switzerland’s largest certification body for non-profits, plays a key role by ensuring funds are used effectively through 21 strict standards.
The ZEWO Foundation certifies around 66% of all donations in Switzerland. It monitors compliance with 21 standards to guarantee efficiency and transparency. Certification comes at a cost: initial fees range from CHF 4,000 to 5,000, with annual charges starting at CHF 500 and averaging CHF 1,500 for smaller NGOs. Renewal after five years costs roughly CHF 3,000.
Swiss households continue to donate generously, with ZEWO’s certification system maintaining accountability. While international crises redirect funds overseas, domestic social causes receive less support than during the pandemic. The foundation’s role in monitoring standards helps sustain confidence in how donations are spent.
