Our foundations Endowment funds and independent foundations
Terra21 Foundation
founded: 2014
Terra21 Foundation supports projects and organizations that make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (climate change mitigation) and to improving societies’ resilience to a changing climate (adaptation).
Recognizing that climate change is closely linked to other ecological challenges (biodiversity crisis, water scarcity etc.) and to social issues (poverty, human rights), Terra21 Foundation pursues a systemic approach. Where possible, it supports innovative approaches that, in addition to their climate mitigation/adaptation contribution, also positively impact other ecological and social dimensions. In doing so, Terra21 Foundation aims to strengthen the resilience of the overall system.
Over time, the foundation has focused on specific areas within the broad field of climate change, with the goal of supporting new, original solutions:
- Between 2014 and 2019, innovative adaptation approaches were funded, focusing on particularly vulnerable countries in South and Southeast Asia. By supporting local partners, Terra21 Foundation contributed to strengthening the resilience of local communities. The funded projects also focused on the social dimension, with tangible contributions in the areas of income generation (poverty reduction), human rights protection, and peacebuilding.
- From 2020 onwards, the foundation is supporting projects in Switzerland and OECD countries that strengthen the awareness and behavior changes in response to climate change. Partner organizations communicate the complex topic of climate mitigation using simple indicators, communication campaigns, and events. Climate litigation campaigns and political initiatives are used to reach a broad public and decision-makers; startup incubation and crowdfunding platforms are used to mobilize entrepreneurial forces.
- Starting in 2026, Terra21 Foundation is launching a climate adaptation program focusing on selected Asian and African countries in cooperation with leading Swiss development organizations.
Advisory Board
- Dr. Ivo Knoepfel, Zürich
- Dr. Lukas Knecht, Zürich
Contact
Applications
The foundation does not consider grant applications