Transforming lives, so change can travel far beyond one community.
We partner with communities to turn local ideas into sustainable livelihoods.
We work in fragile contexts where communities are actively building their own livelihoods — often in places where traditional investors don’t go.
Together, we invest in the systems that make this possible: cooperatives, savings groups, micro-projects, and vocational training.
We don’t build projects for the communities we work with.
We support the ones they’re already building: rooted in local knowledge, ownership, and ambition.
Be part of a change that starts from within.
We focus on:
• Community-led cooperatives
• Micro and small businesses
• Training and mentorship for local entrepreneurs
• Reintegration pathways for returnees and IDPs
• Local initiatives that bring displaced and host communities together
Because real change lasts when it comes from the ground up — and when no one is left behind.
Projects
Real impact. Real people. Real ownership.
We believe in solutions that are concrete, replicable, and scalable.
In Nepal, OBF funding is enabling 80 women to generate income through four community enterprises — two producing leaf plates and two focused on spices and turmeric. Along the way, they are building entrepreneurial and technical skills.
In Burundi, a soap-producing cooperative now employs 20 people, including 9 women. With their profits, members have bought land, expanded production, and diversified their products. One woman has even started raising goats with her earnings.
What makes our model scalable is simple:
once a cooperative becomes self-sustaining, it supports the launch of a new one.
On the ground, we provide technical training and an initial investment, followed by continuous support until each group reaches full independence. From there, members manage operations autonomously, reinvest profits, and sometimes even offer internal loans to others.
Because choosing carefully where to invest can lead to real, lasting change.
Join the ripple effect
Support cooperatives, local businesses, and bold community-led solutions and change lives.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Should you have any inquiries, please feel free to contact our
Director
Chiara Polti
chiara.polti@stiftungolivenzweig.ch
+41 78 911 53 87 -
If you prefer, you can download the QR code now to make your donation via bank transfer effortlessly by clicking here!
-
If you prefer, you can donate via Twint by clicking here!
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.
When you donate, you want your support to count. We make sure it does.
We don’t support what looks good on paper — we back what works on the ground.
We listen, we observe, we collect data — not only to understand impact, but to stay accountable to you.
Because transparency isn’t a bonus — it’s a promise.
When you donate to us, you know where your money goes, who it reaches, and what it changes.
No empty promises. Just real results, shared openly.
