Exciting journey to Guatemala and Colombia
In September, the Limmat Foundation’s project director, Ignasi Fainé, travelled to Guatemala and Colombia. This time, the object of his trip was not only to visit the projects, for example “Saberes“, and to talk to the different local partners like Fundación Carvajal, but also to provide training. Offering education to the local network is part of the Limmat Foundation’s project management. In different Colombian cities like Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena, Manizales and Pereira, Ignasi Fainé and María Yanci, coach in positive intelligence, talked about mental fitness. They prepared a session of two hours and a half about the topic “How to be successful in difficult times. Know and train the three main muscles of positive fitness”. Moreover, in Pereira, the project director gave a training to Fundación Iwoka to implement strategies of coaching in its daily work with the beneficiaries of the project. The journey to Guatemala and Colombia was very fruitful. Every local partner was thankful for the support received. The conversations and advices help them to develop as well as to progress the projects. Thanks to everyone for the dedicated participation! MORE NEWS 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose • 23.10.2025 Charity concert for street children of Colombia Charity concert for street children of Colombia • 04.09.2025 International Youth Day International Youth Day • 12.08.2025
Finale 2023 of the Esmeralda Charity Cup
The Esmeralda Charity Golf Tournament Series, which the Limmat Foundation has been running for 28 years, has produced two winning teams in 2023. On the 7th of September 2023, Tanja Portmann and Selwyn von Grünigen (HCP 19.1 and 2.3) won the first prize net with 40 points. The game was played in Four Ball Better Ball – Stableford mode. The two golfers will travel to Colombia together with the winning team from the final of 2022 that was caught up in May 2023. Accompanied by Juan Alarcon, former project director of the Limmat Foundation, they will visit the projects for children that are financed by the Esmeralda Charity Cup. The winner’s program also includes their participation in a charity golf tournament in Cartagena de Indias. This highly endowed prize, which is financed by sponsors, challenged the finalists. Despite the heat, they played with concentration and ambition on the perfectly prepared course of the Golf Club Wylihof. At the same time, the guest tournament was also taken place, where sponsors and guests of the Limmat Foundation could enjoy the day in individual – Stableford mode. In the evening, the Colombian Ambassador Francisco Javier Echeverri Lara thanked the golfers for their contribution, with which they have supported 55 projects in his country over the past 28 years, offering more than 600,000 children the chance to lead a different and better life. As representative of the main sponsor, Patrick Helfenstein spoke about the common goals in terms of sustainability of the bank J. Safra Sarasin and the Limmat Foundation. He also confirmed the continuation of the sponsorship next year. MORE NEWS 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose • 23.10.2025 Charity concert for street children of Colombia Charity concert for street children of Colombia • 04.09.2025 International Youth Day International Youth Day • 12.08.2025
Inspiring visit to Africa: Empowering Communities through Social Projects
The Limmat Foundation is happy to share the fantastic experience that Ana von Bock, Limmat’s Programs & Partnerships Manager, recently had on her trip to Africa. With a deep passion for social impact initiatives, Ana embarked on this journey to gain first-hand knowledge of the challenges and successes faced by organizations striving to make a difference in local communities. Inspiring visits in Kenya (Kibondeni College, Eastlands College of Technology, Strathmore University, iGravity, Kianda Foundation), Uganda (Pearlcrest Hospitality Training Institute, COWA) and Rwanda (Sangira, Hope and Homes for Children, Chance for Childhood) were part of her schedule. During the travels, Ana met exceptional individuals dedicated to driving positive change. She networked with local leaders, stakeholders and government representatives, visited project sites and witnessed the significant changes brought about by these initiatives. One of the key areas that Ana focused on during her visit was vocational training. She explored different projects implemented dedicated to empowering disadvantaged youth through skill training, psychosocial support, rehabilitation, reintegration as well as job assistance. Their work not only transforms lives but also contributes to the social and economic development of the regions. The Limmat Foundation extends its gratitude to its partners and collaborators who made this transformative journey possible. Together with its network, the Limmat Foundation pursues the goal of positive impact and empowering communities through social projects. MORE NEWS 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose • 23.10.2025 Charity concert for street children of Colombia Charity concert for street children of Colombia • 04.09.2025 International Youth Day International Youth Day • 12.08.2025
Annual Report 2022
In 2022, the Limmat Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary. The team is very grateful for the proven traditions, but also for the many new paths which have been taken since the foundation in 1972. On the occasion of the jubilee, three anniversary projects were selected in Kenya, Bolivia and Lebanon to also let people in need participate in the celebration (see Flyer). These projects support training in the dual system, i.e. parallel theoretical as well as practical phases, and will be implemented in 2023. You can read more about it in the next annual report. Donations are still welcome. Along with other innovations within the Limmat Foundation, about which you find out more on pages 4 and 5, the annual report has also been redesigned this year. If you would like to share your thoughts about it, participate in the survey which can be reached via the following link (deadline: 31st of August 2023). 👉 English version of the annual report 2022 👉 German version of the annual report 2022 Enjoy reading the Limmat Foundation’s annual report 2022! MORE NEWS 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose • 23.10.2025 Charity concert for street children of Colombia Charity concert for street children of Colombia • 04.09.2025 International Youth Day International Youth Day • 12.08.2025
Program «Iwoka» reaches more and more educational institutions
The low quality of education in Colombia is paralleled by an increase in social problems among children and young people; problems such as drug abuse, crime and dropping out of school. The latter is, among others, caused by the aggressive behaviour of students within the schools which often ends in bullying and keeps the young victims away from school. The program, funded among others by the Limmat Foundation, designs educational projects aimed at keeping children from becoming bullies and school dropouts. This project aims to improve the academic performance, living conditions and career prospects of children and youth. The project supports a tutoring program in different educational institutions that links high school students and elementary school children. As tutors, the high schoolers foster the successful academic and social development of the younger students from the same school. The young adults receive appropriate training for this responsible task. The program also involves the children’s principals, guidance counsellors, teachers and families. The results of this offer are very positive. Children’s academic performance and their readiness to learn have improved. In addition, absenteeism has decreased, as has the propensity for violence. Likewise, the youth are more optimistic about their future after participating in the program. Initially, the programme was implemented by the iwoka team only in educational institutions in Pereira. Meanwhile, schools in Medellin are receiving training to apply the programme by themselves. Expansion to other cities is planned. Talks are already taking place with educational institutions in Bogotá. MORE NEWS 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose 30th Esmeralda Charity Cup – golf with purpose • 23.10.2025 Charity concert for street children of Colombia Charity concert for street children of Colombia • 04.09.2025 International Youth Day International Youth Day • 12.08.2025
Finale 2022 of the Esmeralda Charity Cup
Finale 2022 of the Esmeralda Charity Cup Since almost 30 years, the Limmat Foundation organizes several charity golf tournaments every year. With the participation fees, donations and the support of its sponsors, the Esmeralda Charity Cup finances social projects for children in Colombia. The finale of the Esmeralda Charity Cup 2022 was meant to take place in the end of September 2022. Unfortunately, heavy rain didn’t allow playing on the golf course so that the charity golf tournament was cancelled by the golf club. Luckily, the catch-up date of the finale in the beginning of May 2023 rewarded the golfers with sunny and warm weather. Everyone enjoyed the match at the golf club Wylihof. The winner team of the first prize which is a trip to Colombia to visit the Limmat Foundation’s social projects was very happy. They already won the Esmeralda Charity Cup more than 10 years ago. Both are excited to get the chance for another visit of the social projects to see what changes and impact has been achieved in Colombia during the last years. If you want to register for the upcoming golf tournaments of the new season 2023 or you are interested to read more about the social projects in Colombia, check out the Limmat Foundation’s website. MORE NEWS The current query has no posts. Please make sure you have published items matching your query.
14th workshop of the umbrella foundations
14th workshop of the umbrella foundations In 2023, the 14th workshop of the umbrella foundations focused on the topic of “umbrella foundations – a look abroad”. Thanks to three speakers from Germany, France and Luxembourg, 29 participants from 22 Swiss foundations were able to gain new insights into the sector of umbrella foundations in other countries. Compared to Switzerland, many philanthropists in France and Luxembourg focus on one large, comprehensive umbrella foundation. In Germany, the foundation landscape is more diverse. Their legal terms are slightly different from those in Switzerland. Alice Hengevoss from ceps (Center for Philanthropy Studies) reported that the number of umbrella foundations is constantly increasing. The latest analysis confirm the existence of 28 umbrella foundations in Switzerland. This upward trend was also reported by speakers from abroad. The results showed that the assets of all Swiss umbrella foundations exceeded CHF 1 billion for the first time in 2021. On average, 9.2 million Swiss francs were distributed to social projects. Between 4 and 7 percent of all distributions from around 13,500 non-profit foundations in Switzerland are attributed to the 28 Swiss umbrella foundations. Most of the funding went to Education and Research. Christoph Degen from proFonds talked about the innovations in the legal and tax sector. Among others, it was crucial that the Federal Tax Administration dispenses with the calculation of VAT on donations in kind, such as the provision of office space. Finally, Alice Hengevoss explained the guide of the Sunset Studies. How can a foundation be successfully dissolved? An interesting discussion with all participants closed the workshop. Everyone reported on their activities during the past year of the foundation. MORE NEWS 14. Workshop der Dachstiftungen • 30.03.2023 Ueli Maurer im Stiftungsrat der Limmat Stiftung • 09.02.2023 Limmat Stiftung erhält Auszeichnung • 02.12.2022
Iwoka Transfer
Iwoka Transfer Colombia Statistically, the dropout rate among children from vulnerable families rises in the third year of primary school. In Cartagena de Indias, the risks are particularly high for disadvantaged and mentally vulnerable girls and boys. The Corporación Actuar por Bolívar, an established partner of Limmat Foundation, has adopted the Iwoka model: young people in Years 9 and 10 are carefully prepared for their future role as mentors. They each help four to five primary school pupils with their homework, discuss and support them with family problems, and protect them from bullying in the playground. The young people are also prepared for job search and exams to enter secondary schools. Local partner: Fundación Iwoka MORE PROJECTS School education for socially disadvantaged children (Ceres) School education for socially disadvantaged children (Ceres) Madagascar, School education Scholarships for children from low-income families Scholarships for children from low-income families Peru, Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala, School education Integration of former child soldiers into society Integration of former child soldiers into society Colombia, School education Saberes Saberes Colombia, School education Higher education for socially disadvantaged youth (Sesame) Higher education for socially disadvantaged youth (Sesame) Madagascar, School education Micro Enterprise Development for Women Micro Enterprise Development for Women Philippines, School education MORE PROJECTS
Saberes Conecta
Saberes Conecta Colombia To create a supportive educational pathway for toddlers from disadvantaged backgrounds, the training standards for early years caregivers must be improved. Limmat Foundation´s project partner, Carvajal Foundation, is developing a modular continuing professional development programme on its e-learning platform. Around 900 day-care mothers as well professional nursery teachers are enhancing their skills in early years education and care. They are gaining qualifications in nutrition, leadership, empowerment, and cultural and family history. They are practicing collaboration with families, local authorities and colleagues. The project is launching in Valle del Cauca, Chocó and Risaralda. Local partner: Fundación Carvajal MORE PROJECTS Schulbildung für sozial benachteiligte Kinder (Ceres) Schulbildung für sozial benachteiligte Kinder (Ceres) Madagaskar, Schulbildung Stipendien für Kinder einkommensschwacher Familien Stipendien für Kinder einkommensschwacher Familien Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, Argentinien, Schulbildung Integration ehemaliger Kindersoldaten in die Gesellschaft Integration ehemaliger Kindersoldaten in die Gesellschaft Kolumbien, Schulbildung Saberes Saberes Kolumbien, Schulbildung Hochschulstudium für sozial benachteiligte Jugendliche (Sesame) Hochschulstudium für sozial benachteiligte Jugendliche (Sesame) Madagaskar, Schulbildung Schulung von Kleinstunternehmerinnen Schulung von Kleinstunternehmerinnen Philippinen, Schulbildung MORE PROJECTS
Ueli Maurer on the Foundation Board of the Limmat Foundation
Ueli Maurer on the Foundation Board of the Limmat Foundation On the 2nd of February 2023, the former Federal Councillor Ueli Maurer was elected to the Foundation Board of the Limmat Foundation. From 2000 to 2008, he was already a member of the Limmat Foundation’s Patronage Committee and followed with great interest its worldwide commitment to people in need through social as well as educational projects. During his term as Federal Councillor until 2022, he resigned from all his voluntary activities. Mr. Maurer was part of the Federal Council in Switzerland for 14 years. In 2013 and 2019, he took over the function as president of the Swiss Confederation. From 2009 to 2015, he headed the Department of Defense, Civil Protection and Sport. After 2016, he was in charge of the Department of Finance. Through his diverse experience in international cooperation, his expertise in the financial sector and his strategic thinking, Mr. Maurer enriches the Foundation Board. The Limmat Foundation looks forward to the future cooperation and wishes Mr. Maurer all the best for his new task. MORE NEWS The current query has no posts. Please make sure you have published items matching your query.