Nachhaltige Demokratieförderung unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von bürgerorientierten, partizipativen und direktdemokratischen Entwicklungen weltweit.
Since 2016, the Swiss Democracy Foundation (SDF) has established a global network with a particular focus on citizen engagement and the use of democratic tools. It is managed by a four-person board of trustees. The foundation was founded in Lucerne and is now headquartered in Bern, the Swiss capital. Over a decade, it has initiated and supported projects that strengthen democracy, promote knowledge exchange, and raise awareness of democratic values worldwide. The foundation has also developed and disseminated innovative educational tools for democracy that can be used in schools, institutions, and civil society initiatives. One example is the Swiss Democracy Passport. The SDF sees itself as a catalyst, advisor and networker within the global democracy landscape. It creates spaces for dialogue and exchange, connecting like-minded actors: from states and municipalities to civil society organisations and educational institutions.
Strategic Organisational Goals Promote modern participatory democracy to empower citizens in shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives, resulting in more responsive and inclusive governance. Connect local and global institutions for democratic dialogue and knowledge; facilitate shared learning and exchange best practices across diverse regions. Empower civil society as the foundation of democracy; strengthen public engagement and catalyse community-driven change. Ensure fundamental rights and freedoms. Initiate strategic partnerships to exchange expertise for joint democratic initiatives.
The Swiss Democracy Foundation promotes participatory and direct democracy, encouraging active civic engagement, exchanging knowledge, and supporting the vital conditions that sustain democracies, both in Switzerland and worldwide. Guided by our core principles, we strive to make a lasting impact. Building upon the guiding principles below, the foundation places a strong emphasis on local and global participation. In its projects, the SDF connects Swiss democratic practices, particularly direct democracy, with democratic practices worldwide, encouraging mutual learning and fostering international collaboration while valuing both local involvement and global dialogue. Complementing its focus on participation, SDF’s mission centres on the role of civil society in strengthening democracy. The foundation maintains that active participation in organisations, associations, and civic movements is essential for building trust, fostering responsibility, and protecting democratic values. Knowledge sharing and education are fundamental to SDF's approach and complement civic engagement. The foundation considers knowledge exchange essential for strengthening democracy. Notable initiatives include the Global State of Direct Democracy Report, which tracks developments in direct democracy worldwide, and the Navigator to Direct Democracy, a resource for comparative analysis and best practices. These efforts support fact-based insights, democratic skill development, and academic research, advancing global understanding of democratic practices and trends. Furthermore, SDF's support extends to democratic infrastructure by encouraging practical, grassroots actions for democracy, including elections, initiatives, and referendums. It considers building democratic infrastructure through citizen participation, education, and digital tools. To ensure the sustainability of these efforts, SDF pursues strategic, long-term engagement, operating as a bridge between actors in Switzerland and around the world. To address democratic backsliding and promote sustainable democratic development, it forges strategic partnerships with governments, civil society, and international organisations. In essence, these interconnected principles demonstrate how the SDF promotes democratic mechanisms, fosters civic engagement, facilitates knowledge exchange, and supports the structural conditions that sustain democracies locally and globally.
Strengthen and expand the partnerships we have established, continue our impact in current regions, and strategically reach into new areas where democratic exchange and support are essential. Advance with partners by cultivating enduring relationships rooted in trust, shared learning, and mutual exchange. Empower new and young voices by actively assigning key roles in existing and emerging projects, ensuring the young generation contributes concrete ideas, energy, and leadership. Using the SMART framework, our foundation focuses on strengthening and expanding partnerships, advancing with partners, and empowering new and young voices.
SDF welcomes thematic funds and in-kind contributions from individuals, organisations, foundations, and companies that share our mission and values. We ensure all donations maintain SDF’s independence and integrity and do not create, or appear to create, any conflict of interest. We encourage electronic donations to ensure secure and transparent processing. All donations undergo due diligence and require SDF Board approval to ensure compliance with Swiss law and SDF values. All accepted contributions are managed transparently and used exclusively for purposes aligned with SDF's fundraising strategy, including projects and organisational development.