Olive Branch Foundation
Local Impact, Global Change: Empowering Communities from Within.
We are committed to make a difference for the most disadvantaged people by providing support for a more self-determined and self-sufficient future.
Together with our local partner organisations we stand up for human dignity, justice and peace and work towards social change. We do that by financing direct help for people in need, distress, and poverty all over the world.
Who we are
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We firmly adhere to these principles both in our organizational structure and in the projects, we choose to support. As a non religious entity, we prioritize inclusivity and respect for all religious beliefs, ensuring that our initiatives do not favor any particular faith or ideology. Similarly, our commitment to being apolitical underscores our dedication to neutrality and impartiality, steering clear of any political affiliations or biases. Consequently, we exclusively fund projects that align with these values, ensuring that they too remain nondenominational and apolitical, fostering a culture of unity and collaboration for the betterment of society.
Mission statement
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It finances direct help for people in need, distress, and poverty all over the world. The olive branch in our name stands as the symbol of hope, that the foundation is translating into action.
OBF strives to marry its mission with the interest of the Swiss people in making a difference in the world for the most disadvantaged by providing seeds of hope for a more self-determined and self-sufficient future. In that effort, it partners with the Swiss public, academia, private sector, partner philanthropy, public entities, and international organizations.
Our broad mandate serves as a vehicle for flexibility to allow for meaningful high impact interventions in each context. For that purpose, OBF supports in the areas of humanitarian and social aid, refugee and disaster relief, international development cooperation, education, health, human rights, protection of particularly vulnerable groups of people, gender equality and the advancement of women, the environment, climate change and sustainable development.
● Focus Area
In alignment with our dedication to fostering meaningful change, we aim to improve the lives of some of the most marginalized individuals, empowering them to achieve self-reliance and autonomy. Through strong partnerships with local organizations, we champion the principles of human dignity, justice, and peace, working towards societal transformation. Our focus areas encompass supporting refugees, returnees, internally displaced persons, and host communities, fostering diversity and tolerance, and tackling the pressing challenges presented by climate change.
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Refugees are individuals who flee their home country due to persecution or threats to their life, safety, or freedom, often based on factors like race, religion, or political beliefs. They are protected by international law and cannot be forced to return if their safety is at risk. Returnees are refugees or internally displaced persons who have returned to their home country but may not be fully reintegrated into society. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are forced to leave their homes due to armed conflict, violence, or disasters but remain within their country's borders. Host communities include governmental, social, and economic structures where refugees reside, whether in urban settings or refugee camps.
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Diversity encompasses differences among individuals, such as race, gender, age, and beliefs, while inclusion involves actively welcoming, supporting, and valuing everyone. Tolerance, however, is the acceptance and appreciation of diverse cultures and expressions. It ensures respect for human rights and fosters thriving mixed communities. Despite increasing connectivity and diversity, intolerance remains prevalent, leading to conflicts, extremism, human rights violations, and xenophobia.
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Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of Earth's weather patterns, driven largely by human activities such as fossil fuel burning. Its effects, including heatwaves, wildfires, floods, and hurricanes, are exacerbating humanitarian emergencies. With billions of people living in vulnerable areas, climate change is projected to claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually by 2050. It also impacts food security and livelihoods, with millions experiencing food insecurity and displacement due to climate extremes. Human displacement is increasing due to climate-related factors, with projections suggesting a significant rise in global displacement by 2050. This crisis underscores the urgent need for collective action to mitigate and adapt to climate change, reduce the frequency of extreme weather events, and build resilience in vulnerable communities. Efforts must prioritize adaptation measures and support those most affected by the climate crisis.
How we work
GLOBAL
LOCAL
LOCAL
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Embracing a "Local to Global" (and back to local) approach lays the groundwork for building a fair and equitable society that is better equipped to weather future disasters and crises. Amidst the uncertainties of international aid, directing funding in this manner proves to be a worthwhile investment, ensuring enduring positive change. Each rights-based or advocacy intervention is executed within a clear and consistent logical framework, operating at local, national, and international levels, always rooted in a specific country and locality.
The objective is to drive change at the local level while adhering to specific indicators of tangible, local progress. This approach holds us accountable and keeps us focused on the goals of our activities as international actors. The litmus test for the effectiveness of this multi-layered approach is always its impact on the local community. The ultimate aim is to bring about actual, measurable improvements in the rights, well-being, and lives of children, women, and men at the grassroots level, empowering their voices and actions to resonate at the national and international levels.
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Adopting a "rights-based approach" means empowering people to organize themselves and respecting their dignity with a focus on being "people-centered." It ensures that their voices are heard and that decisions made at higher levels translate into tangible improvements in their lives locally. Our "local to global to local" (L2G2L) methodology emphasizes the intended impact of our approach in concrete terms for real people.
This requires a holistic approach. L2G2L methodology breaks down silos between different spheres of activity, uniting human rights with humanitarian efforts, advocacy with programming, and local, national, and international levels in a complementary rights-based action. It integrates policy advocacy with monitoring to ensure actual implementation of change and combines critical analysis with constructive engagement with duty-bearers.
When this entire cycle of local-to-global-to-local works effectively, it's evident not just in people having the "right" to something, but in them possessing it: experiencing good health, receiving proper education, accessing real opportunities, enjoying a healthy environment, economic security, and more.
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Being located in Switzerland offers a strategic advantage for expanding our global influence. Switzerland's reputation as a neutral and politically stable country provides a conducive environment for fostering international partnerships and collaboration. Switzerland's strong economy and established financial sector also offer opportunities for securing funding and investment for our projects. Additionally, and most importantly, Switzerland's commitment to humanitarian values aligns with our organization's mission, enhancing our credibility and resonance with international stakeholders. By leveraging Switzerland's unique position, values and resources, we can effectively amplify our impact and extend our reach to address global challenges and promote positive change worldwide.
● What we do
● Where we work
Donate
Make a difference today:
choose the amount and the project you wish to support!
"Be a part of the change: Your donation empowers communities and drives our mission forward."
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If you want to choose a specific project to donate to, click the donate button, select your donation amount, and then click on "Additional Information" to access a drop-down menu. Here, you can choose from five specific projects or opt for a general donation. We will ensure your contribution reaches your selected project.
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Maximizing Impact with Every Donation
Ninety-five percent of our funds directly support projects aimed at fulfilling OBF's mission. Our administrative expenses, comprising human resources, accounting, information technology, fundraising, and communication, amount to only 5 percent. This allocation falls well below the ZEWO average of 21 percent, underscoring our commitment to maximizing the impact of every donation received. -
By donating to OBF, a recognized public charity, you can claim a tax deduction of up to 20 percent of your income on your federal taxes. Similar provisions apply in most cantons. Rest assured, we will provide you with the necessary donation certificate by March of the following year.
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Ensuring data protection is a top priority at OBF, and as such, it is a concern for all members and employees. We strictly adhere to stringent policies to safeguard personal information. OBF does not disclose addresses to third parties, nor do we engage in renting, selling, or exchanging personal data. Our practices align with relevant data protection regulations, notably the Federal Data Protection Act.
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Furthermore, OBF upholds the ZEWO Standards and Ethical Guidelines for Fundraising. These standards serve as a benchmark for our fundraising activities, reinforcing our commitment to ethical practices and accountability.
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Should you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact our
Director
Chiara Polti
chiara.polti@stiftungolivenzweig.ch
+41 78 911 53 87 -
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Kindly note that acknowledgments for online donations will be sent via email. This approach is not only environmentally friendly but also aids in optimizing resource management.
● Meet the team
