Celebrating its 20th anniversary: Fondation Lombard Odier launches funding programme for international environmental projects
Foundation Lombard Odier is celebrating its 20th anniversary and underlining its long-term commitment to strategic philanthropy with a new environmental programme.
Building on two decades of experience in targeted project funding, from 2025 the Foundation will support international initiatives that combine climate protection with tangible social benefits. The focus will be on new partnerships with organisations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and the Giving to Amplify Earth Action Awards (GAEA), with the aim of measurably advancing innovation, the use of climate data, protecting biodiversity and strengthening protected areas worldwide.
Between strategic philanthropy and lasting impact: a catalyst for innovation and transformation
The Fondation Lombard Odier was established in 2004 to unite the philanthropic activities of the founding families and the Group under one roof. Since then, the Foundation has embodied the Group’s humanist values and carried forward the families’ long-standing philanthropic endeavours with an innovative vision of philanthropy – a tradition that dates back to the mid-19th century. To date, it has supported almost 350 projects and institutions in Switzerland and globally.
The Foundation’s mission is to promote the efficiency, creativity and innovation of its project partners in order to achieve lasting impact, particularly in the areas of the environment and humanitarian aid. Building on the Group’s presence in Geneva for over 200 years, the Foundation is also involved in locally anchored initiatives. At the same time, it is actively committed to advancing the field of philanthropy in Switzerland to unlock the sector’s potential for social progress in the coming decades.
With its funding, the Foundation strives to achieve an enabling and integrated impact beyond financial support alone. In light of the major challenges in its areas of action, it is increasingly focusing on building partnerships and promoting co-financing. In this way, it aims to increase the overall impact by supporting projects with transformative power and applying financial expertise where it can drive lasting change.
Scientifically sound, internationally networked, strategically effective: the Foundation’s new environmental programme
To mark its 20th anniversary, the Fondation Lombard Odier is sending a strong signal of its long-term commitment to environmental protection: with the launch of a new programme, it is supporting projects that are scientifically grounded, socially impactful and globally scalable. The selection of initiatives is based on two decades of practical and strategic foundation work, in particular on insights into which approaches have proven most effective in real-world application. The Foundation therefore focuses on projects with clear value for affected communities, high innovation potential and the ability to engage additional partners.
For example, a project by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is being supported with the aim of providing humanitarian organisations with precise climate and weather data in order to improve planning and logistical supplies in refugee camps. The targeted use of scientific data enables risks to be recognised earlier and protective measures to be implemented more effectively – an approach that benefits both the people on the ground and the efficiency of humanitarian aid.
Another funding project supports the scientific work of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to clearly determine the geographical origin of tropical woods and natural rubber using chemical analyses and satellite data. This is intended to make supply chains traceable and environmentally friendly standards more enforceable. The project makes an important contribution to the implementation of international environmental standards and the protection of endangered ecosystems.
The Foundation has also partnered with the Giving to Amplify Earth Action Awards (GAEA) powered by the World Economic Forum to recognise innovative collaborations leading the way on systems change regarding the environment and climate change. Advances in science and collaboration across sectors is critical to achieving decisive progress in numerous fields such as decarbonising rice production or making fossil-free steel.
Hubert Keller, Chairman of Fondation Lombard Odier and Senior Managing Partner, Lombard Odier Group, says: “As we celebrate the Foundation’s 20th anniversary, we reflect with pride on past achievements and look ahead to new challenges, bold projects and powerful alliances that will enable us to continue driving sustainable transformation.”
Dr Maximilian Martin, Global Head of Philanthropy, Lombard Odier Group and Secretary-General of Fondation Lombard Odier, adds: “Our anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on what truly works in philanthropic practice. We focus our support where early-stage commitment, expert partners and innovative thinking converge. The new environmental programme exemplifies this approach and marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to systemic solutions in the environmental space.”
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