Our strategy
Our compass for a supportive, committed and democratic Switzerland
The SSCG has been courageously committed to the common good for more than 200 years – and does so today with the same aspiration as it did back then: with openness, responsibility and an eye to the future. Our strategy shows how we meet the challenges of the present: by promoting social cohesion, strengthening civil society and supporting a vibrant democracy.
The strategic framework was unanimously approved by members at the 2024 annual general meeting. It is our compass for the future – and makes clear what we stand for and how we act.
Our three fields of action
The strategic framework of the SSCG is based on three priorities that guide our actions. They form the foundation of our work, our partnerships and our projects.
Social cohesion
The SSCG stands for a cohesive society. It is committed to ensuring that all inhabitants of Switzerland have the opportunity to lead a dignified life and see themselves as part of a respectful and equal “we”.
Active civil society
The SSCG stands for an active civil society. It promotes voluntary work and empowers civil society stakeholders so that the residents of Switzerland can take responsibility for their communities.
Vibrant democratic culture
The SSCG stands for resilient and sustainable democracy. It is committed to ensuring that all of the residents of Switzerland can shape the future together and promotes understanding and dialogue between different sections of the population.
Our targets for sustainable action
Six long-term impact goals show what we as a society want to achieve together. They provide the framework for our work and help to make progress measurable.
1. Equal opportunities
People in Switzerland have fair economic opportunities, regardless of their socio-economic background. They have access to education and sufficient resources to protect them from the risk of poverty and enable them to participate socially and culturally.
2. Respect, pluralism and belonging
The people of Switzerland respect different views, lifestyles and realities of life, and feel part of a diverse society as a whole.
3. Commitment
Community engagement reflects and is increasing the evolving needs of volunteers and society as a whole.
4. A caring society
Switzerland sees itself as a caring society. A caring society is committed to ensuring everyone has a good life, from birth to death.
5. Political participation
The representativeness of the population in the democratic system is increasing: underrepresented population groups are given opportunities and rights to participate and take advantage of them.
6. Lively and far-sighted public discourse
There is a lively culture of public discourse in Switzerland that allows people and institutions to inform themselves as objectively and independently as possible on what is happening and to form an opinion.
Our activities
Our work follows four clear principles that demonstrate how we achieve social impact. They combine analysis, funding and practical experience – and show how SSCG translates ideas into concrete change.
Launching pilot projects
We develop and test innovative, time-limited solutions to societal challenges. If these prove successful, we implement them on a permanent basis together with partners from the worlds of politics, business, science and civil society.
Bringing stakeholders together
We connect people and organisations from different specialist areas and sectors with the aim of working together on solutions and facilitating new collaboration agreements.
Supporting third-party projects
We support civil society initiatives that share our values and goals and help individuals in difficult life situations.
Planning and reflection
By carrying out analyses and studies on social developments, we introduce new ideas into public discourse and promote a fact-based, solution-oriented debate.