Switzerland's international cooperation: FDFA provides core contributions for 22 Swiss implementation partners

Swiss NGOs have expertise and know-how relevant to Switzerland's work in international cooperation (IC), spanning areas such as vocational education and training, sustainable economic growth, humanitarian aid, combating climate change, and the strengthening and promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The SDC's cooperation with Swiss NGOs is enshrined in the Federal Council's IC Strategy 2025–28, which was adopted by Parliament in December 2024.

The IC Strategy's objectives are implemented based on the specific needs of people affected on the ground, which makes Swiss NGOs vital partners thanks to their close cooperation with local stakeholders and knowledge of the relevant contexts.

Contributions affected by cuts in the federal budget

The 22 implementation partners for the 2025–26 period include 11 major Swiss aid agencies, eight alliances – including the association of cantonal federations – and three umbrella organisations. Based on federal budget planning and decisions by the Federal Council and Parliament, the core contributions to Swiss NGOs have been reduced by around 10.5% compared to the 2023–24 period. Individual NGOs can finance a maximum of 30% and alliances, umbrella organisations and federations a maximum of 40% of their international cooperation budgets through SDC core contributions.

SDC core contributions may only be used for international cooperation abroad, and cannot be used to support programmes in Switzerland.

Award process for core contributions to Swiss NGOs

2022 SFAO report: ‘Swiss NGO partners in the humanitarian field’

Address for enquiries:

FDFA Communication Bundeshaus West 3003 Bern +41 58 460 55 55 kommunikation@eda.admin.ch