Many wealthy people wish to provide a permanent legacy for worthwhile causes. Frequently they establish a Swiss foundation for this. The foundation is the only institution of Swiss private law in which an asset can be managed independently of decisions made by a general assembly. The direction of a foundation is exclusively determined by the wishes and instructions of the founder as laid down in the foundation deed. The Foundation Board will implement these.
Swiss legislation on foundations is one of the most liberal worldwide. Only a few articles of the Swiss Civil Code apply, thereby allowing an individual design of the foundation’s organisation. This, together with substantial tax reliefs for charitable institutions and donations made to them, causes the widespread popularity of charitable foundations in Switzerland.
LANTER supports founders in the conception of their foundation and helps them build optimal structures. This includes the drafting of the charter and of the pertinent regulations, the selection of the members of the board and of other bodies as well as communications with the supervisory authorities and tax administration.
Members of the board of existing foundations are supported by LANTER in the proper performance of their duties, in the complete and timely reporting to the supervisory authority, and in all matters of good governance.
It is of great concern to LANTER to sustain the liberal Swiss foundation law. We will therefore also engage politically to maintain the freedom of the foundations as well as the tax benefit of charitable activities. For decades LANTER has been present on the board of proFonds, the Swiss umbrella organisation of non-profit foundations and associations.