How we work
The Leopold Bachmann Foundation was set up as a grant-making foundation by Leopold Bachmann in 1997. In addition to financial support, our partners benefit from our global network of partner organisations and experts, as well as of the expertise of the foundation’s head office. We are happy to assist with our knowledge and experience, and we encourage shared learning. Furthermore, we actively foster networking among our partners and maintain open and transparent dialogues with them.
Reporting
We engage with our partners on a regular basis through meetings and email exchanges. Submission of interim reports, annual reports, and a comprehensive final report, including financial overviews, is a requirement. Our partners inform us proactively about any delays, major deviations, or changes in their projects.
Organisational development
We value a stable organisational structure. We support our partners with resources for organisational development and internal capacity building.
Long-term partnerships
We enter into partnerships with organisations that advance the Foundation's mission and goals within our thematic topics and focus countries. We firmly believe that multi-year partnerships provide the ideal basis for bringing about lasting change – yet we refrain from creating dependencies. It is therefore our usual practice to support projects for durations of two to eight years, whereby the longer lasting projects are implemented in multiple phases.
Financing
It is our view that diversified financing contributes to the independence, resilience and sustainability of an organisation and its projects. This is why it is our general rule not to fully finance projects. In addition to our contribution, we expect projects to be financed from the partner's own resources and from third-party resources.
Collaboration with other foundations
We welcome collaboration with other foundations in the form of co-financing arrangements as well as exchanges of learning and experience. We are convinced that active exchange among foundations strengthens and inspires our work; for this reason, the Leopold Bachmann Foundation is also a member of SwissFoundations and proFonds – the associations of grant-making foundations in Switzerland.
Our key thematic topics
Our vision is, that all individuals should be given the opportunity to acquire knowledge and develop their skills. Our goal is that people from all walks of life have a sustainable, secure livelihood and income source to flourish in and to make valuable contributions to their communities.
Our focus is on disadvantaged individuals, with special attention given to youth and young adults ages 15 to 30 years. In addition, we support projects targeting adults in general.
We are committed to the following key thematic topics:
- Education/Vocational Training – International
- Entrepreneurship – International
- Agroecology – International
- Agroecology – Switzerland
Please note that for the topics marked "International", we only support projects that are in our focus countries.
Further details about the vision and goals that the Leopold Bachmann Foundation has for the projects it supports can be found through the tabs below.
Education/Vocational Training – International
We are committed to transforming lives through educational support and vocational training. Our mission is to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve economic independence and contribute positively to their communities. We support projects aimed at youth and young adults between the ages of 15 and 30.
Our Goals:
- Promote Accessible Education: Ensure that quality secondary and tertiary education is accessible to youth and young adults from disadvantaged communities. We aim to break down barriers that hinder access to education.
- Support Vocational Training: Invest in vocational training programs that align with current and future job market demands. Our focus is on providing practical skills training in areas that will help young people gain employment and improve their job prospects.
- Empower Through Skill Development: Encourage lifelong learning and continuous skill development. We promote independent and self-determined learning along with the social development of individuals and their communities. We support projects for youth and young adults aimed at enhancing their opportunities for economic sustainability.
- Support Educators’ Further Training: Provide training and resources for secondary and tertiary educators in disadvantaged communities to ensure they are well-equipped to meet the current needs of their students. This includes, for example, professional development workshops, access to innovative teaching tools, and research on best practices in secondary to tertiary education.
Entrepreneurship – International
We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to solve pressing global issues and build thriving communities. Our mission is to support innovative leaders and businesses that prioritize sustainability, equity, and community wellbeing.
Our Goals:
- Drive Social Innovation: Support young entrepreneurs who are developing solutions to local social, environmental, and economic challenges. We focus on projects that have the potential to make significant impacts within underserved or marginalized communities.
- Expand Access to Resources: Provide access to critical resources that entrepreneurs need to succeed, including funding, training, and technology. We aim to level the playing field for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds and regions with limited access to traditional business support systems.
- Empower Local Leaders: Invest in local entrepreneurs and community-led initiatives to foster economic development from within. Our approach ensures that local voices lead the development process and that outcomes directly benefit local communities.
- Promote Entrepreneurial Education: Sponsor educational programs and workshops that build entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Our focus is on practical, actionable training that can be directly applied to local business ventures.
Agroecology – International
We are dedicated to promoting agroecology to secure the livelihood of both current and future generations. For this, we support farming practices that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially just. Our mission is to nurture a healthier planet through innovative agricultural techniques that respect the earth and enhance biodiversity.
Our Goals:
- Promote Sustainable Farming Practices: Support and spread the adoption of agroecological methods as well as permaculture and agroforestry systems that enhance soil health, conserve water, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and lower carbon footprints. We fund projects and research aimed at developing and implementing these practices.
- Enhance Biodiversity: Encourage the cultivation of diverse crop varieties and the integration of wildlife habitats into farming landscapes. This approach not only preserves genetic diversity but also supports ecosystems that are resilient to climate change and pests.
- Empower Rural Communities: We work with smallholder farmers and rural communities to build capacity and ensure that sustainable agricultural practices are both socially inclusive and economically beneficial. We focus on community-led initiatives that improve livelihoods and reinforce local food systems.
- Educate and Train: Provide education and training programs for farmers, agricultural professionals, and the general public on the principles of agroecology. These programs aim to foster a deeper understanding of ecological processes and the skills necessary to implement sustainable agricultural practices.
- Foster Research and Innovation: Support research into sustainable agricultural techniques and technologies that can be adapted to various climates and local conditions. Innovation in this area is crucial for overcoming challenges related to productivity and sustainability.
Agroecology – Switzerland
We are dedicated to promoting agroecology to secure the livelihood of both current and future generations. For this, we support farming practices that are environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially just. Our mission is to nurture a healthier planet through innovative agricultural techniques that respect the earth and enhance biodiversity.
Our Goals:
- Promote Sustainable Farming Practices: Support and spread the adoption of agroecological methods that enhance soil health, conserve water, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and lower carbon footprints. We fund projects and research aimed at developing and implementing these practices on a wider scale.
- Enhance Biodiversity: Encourage the cultivation of diverse crop varieties and the integration of wildlife habitats into farming landscapes. This approach not only preserves genetic diversity but also supports ecosystems that are resilient to climate change and pests.
- Educate and Train: Provide education and training programs for farmers, agricultural professionals, and the general public on the principles of agroecology. These programs aim to foster a deeper understanding of ecological processes and the skills necessary to implement sustainable agricultural practices.
- Foster Research and Innovation: Support research into agroecological techniques and technologies that can be adapted to various climates and local conditions. Innovation in this area is crucial for overcoming challenges related to productivity and sustainability.
- Build Networks and Partnerships: Develop a network of agricultural professionals, researchers, NGOs, and businesses that can share knowledge, resources, and successes in agroecology. These partnerships are vital for spreading effective practices and inspiring widespread change.
Focus countries
The Leopold Bachmann Foundation funds projects in the following focus countries:
In Asia:
- Cambodia
- India
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Thailand
In Africa:
- Malawi
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
In South America:
- Bolivia
- Colombia
- Ecuador
- Peru
- Venezuela