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 thrive 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 individuals between the ages of 15 and 30.
Our Strategic Education Goals:
- Champion Secondary Education
We strive to ensure that young people from under-resourced communities have the support they need to complete secondary school and unlock future opportunities. - Advance Equitable Access to Education
We are committed to making high-quality secondary and tertiary education accessible to all youth, regardless of their background. - Empower Career Readiness
We support programs that help young people explore labor market opportunities and provide career guidance to foster informed and confident transitions into the workforce. - Strengthen Educator Capacity
We invest in the professional growth of educators by offering training, innovative teaching tools, and workshops that equip them to meet the evolving needs of their students.
Our Strategic Goals in Vocational Training:
- Strengthen Vocational Training Pathways
We support vocational education programs that are aligned with current and emerging labor market demands. Our emphasis is on equipping youth with practical, market-relevant skills that enhance employability and long-term career prospects. - Integrate Life Skills for Workforce Readiness
Recognizing the critical role of interpersonal and cognitive competencies in professional success, we support vocational training initiatives that incorporate soft skills development to prepare youth for dynamic workplace environments. - Embed Financial Literacy and Business Acumen
To foster youth entrepreneurship and economic self-sufficiency, we promote the integration of financial education and business training within vocational curricula. - Advance Educator Competency in Vocational Training
We provide targeted professional development and resources for vocational educators, ensuring they are equipped to deliver instruction that reflects current industry standards and technological advancements.
Entrepreneurship – International
We believe in the power of entrepreneurship to solve pressing global issues and build thriving communities. Private initiative and capital are needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Our mission is to support innovative founders and businesses that prioritize sustainability, equity, and community wellbeing.
Our Goals:
- Drive social innovation: We support start-ups and SMEs that provide solutions to social, environmental and economic challenges. We select projects that have the potential to effect lasting change in undersupplied or marginalized communities.
- Strengthen Start-up Ecosystems: We engage in the development of entrepreneurial networks and service providers, like accelerators, that help start-ups succeed.
- Foster business growth: We support local businesses that can and want to grow. This creates decent jobs and contributes to economic growth. We see a huge potential for poverty reduction and broad, inclusive economic development.
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