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Swiss NGOs abroad to receive 10% less federal funding

NGOs operating abroad receive a good 10 per cent less federal funding
SDC head Patricia Danzi and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. Keystone-SDA

In 2025 and 2026, Swiss NGOs will have 10% less federal funding available for international cooperation than in the previous two-year period. Switzerland will provide contributions totalling CHF235 million ($284 million).

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The money will flow from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to 11 major Swiss aid organisations, eight alliances – including the association of cantonal federations – and three umbrella organisations, the foreign ministry said on Friday.

The Swiss NGOs contribute to the realisation of Swiss goals in international cooperation and sustainable development, it said.

+ Foreign aid cuts: where does Switzerland stand?

The SDC’s cooperation with Swiss NGOs is part of the international cooperation strategy. Parliament cancelled CHF110 million for international cooperation in the 2025 budget and a further CHF321 million in the financial plan for the years 2026 to 2028. The core contributions to Swiss NGOs were therefore reduced by around 10.5% for the current period.

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