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Fondation Philanthropia celebrates 15 years of impact
Fondation Philanthropia is celebrating 15 years of supporting its clients' philanthropic ambitions. Since 2008, it has facilitated the creation of more than 40 sheltered funds and distributed a total of CHF 75 million. Yesterday's anniversary conference in Geneva was an opportunity to revisit some of Philanthropia's flagship commitments and to look ahead at the areas set to shape the future of philanthropy.
Fondation Philanthropia has received more than CHF 138 million since 2008 and has facilitated the creation of more than 40 sheltered funds. Through nearly 1,300 donations totalling CHF 75 million, its activities have enabled over 400 organisations worldwide to benefit from the generosity of Lombard Odier’s clients.
Almost half of the donations were designated for the humanitarian and social sector, around a quarter for education and training and just under 15% for medical and scientific research. Philanthropic activities related to sustainable development and the environment, for which interest is growing, represented around 11%.
According to Denis Pittet, Managing Partner of the Lombard Odier Group and Chairman of Fondation Philanthropia: "The path taken by Philanthropia since its inception has enabled us to engage in philanthropic activities all over the world, in line with our clients' wishes. The strength and exponential growth of our activities over the past 15 years reflect a growing desire in our current society – a desire to altruistically and unselfishly give to the causes close to our donors' hearts, with the aim of making a positive impact for future generations. We are deeply grateful to our donors for their commitment and trust, without which this wonderful adventure would not have been possible."
Philanthropy to benefit architectural heritage and craftsmanship
One of Fondation Philanthropia's most iconic commitments is undoubtedly to the Palace of Versailles. The enthusiasm and generosity of one passionate philanthropist allowed a long-term partnership to be forged, resulting in large-scale projects to restore the Latone Fountain, the Grand Trianon and the Royal Chapel. This commitment has been widely acknowledged, with Fondation Philanthropia being awarded the title "Grand Mécène de la Culture" (Major Cultural Benefactor) by the French Ministry of Culture in 2022. These ambitious works also provided an opportunity to train artisan apprentices, at the specific request of Fondation Philanthropia.
Environmental philanthropy: responding to the biodiversity crisis
Ever since Fondation Philanthropia was established, helping combat biodiversity loss and species extinction has been a major focus for our donors. A recent project in cooperation with WWF International led to the establishment of the Universal Ranger Support Alliance (URSA), the first worldwide alliance of park rangers. A global survey having revealed a shortage of professionals, the URSA is now working to train rangers and improve their working conditions. Through this collaboration, Fondation Philanthropia's activities are promoting rangers as a profession, while creating a workforce that includes native and local communities, and securing a future for them.
Philanthropic projects supporting cancer research and treatment
Cancer treatment and research are also areas frequently sought after by philanthropists. Fondation Philanthropia is the top private donor to France's Gustave Roussy Institute, a global leader in the fight against cancer. This long-standing support, which dates back to 2014, allowed the Institute to acquire the Da Vinci Xi robot, which is essential for robotic surgery. The Foundation has also awarded international research scholarships to doctoral students at the Paris-based institute, financed several scientific research projects and supported improved access to data for oncology research at European level.
In addition, Fondation Philanthropia supports cancer treatment in Switzerland; in 2017 it contributed start-up financing for the Oncology Network for French-speaking Switzerland, a multidisciplinary platform dedicated to developing innovative treatments for patients in this part of the country.
Fondation Philanthropia: an effective platform for maximum impact
Established in 2008 at the initiative of the Partners of Lombard Odier, Fondation Philanthropia helps make the philanthropic ambitions of clients a reality. It provides a legal and financial framework to support those inspired by a charitable cause, and who are looking to develop a tailor-made philanthropic project that aligns with their values, aspirations and ambitions. An advisory team of five experts led by Maximilian Martin, Global Head of Philanthropy, helps clients realise their philanthropic projects.
Maximilian Martin, Global Head of Philanthropy, says: "Over the past two decades, philanthropy has become increasingly proactive. Philanthropists are ambitious regarding the social and environmental impact they want the projects they finance to achieve. The 'umbrella' foundation structure has been a major success among our clients. This makes it possible to provide philanthropists with a rapid and easy-to-use solution for structuring their projects, without the need to create a donor foundation involving legal responsibility. "
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