How we fund our work
We are able to carry out our many activities in Switzerland and abroad thanks to the financial support of various public and private partners. The overheads for many of our services are covered in part by contributions from the beneficiaries. Some of our activities are assignments from the publi authorities.
SRC Headquarters
The activities of the SRC Headquarters are normally funded, roughly equally from:
Private donations and sponsorships
Assignments for the public authorities
Contributions from other organizations (Swiss Solidarity, SRC Humanitarian Foundation, other Red Cross organizations) and its own income
During the pandemic and since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, private donors have shown extraordinary solidarity. The proportion of income from donations therefore increased temporarily.
We are recognized as the only Red Cross society in Switzerland and receive an annual lump sum from the federal government for our services. Otherwise the SRC receives no state subsidies.
SRC Association
The cantonal associations and rescue organizations are legally independent institutions. If you have questions about our funding, please consult our annual reports.
Private funding
Private individuals, foundations, companies, cantons, cities and communal authorities donate funds that are either earmarked for specific services and projects in Switzerland and abroad or for our work in general. Companies support us through sponsorship agreements.
Our cooperation with corporate entities is based on guidelines that take account of the Red Cross Fundamental Principles. We conduct due diligence on potential partners.
Public support
Assignments
The Swiss Red Cross provides specific services on assignment from the federal and cantonal authorities. For example, it recognizes foreign qualifications in the healthcare professions. On behalf of the federal government, Swiss Transfusion SRC and the 11 regional blood transfusion services supply hospitals throughout the country with blood products. The cantonal government in Uri has entrusted the care and accommodation services for asylum-seekers and refugees to the Swiss Red Cross. Various cantonal associations provide other public services under contract to the cantonal authorities.
SDC contributions
The Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) provides the Swiss Red Cross with financial support for its projects abroad. Together we pursue Switzerland’s international cooperation goals:
Our own income
Some of our services are subject to a charge. However, since we maintain them at socially acceptable levels, the income rarely covers our overheads. We therefore partially fund these services through donations.
Contributions from other organizations
Swiss Solidarity
The Swiss Red Cross is one of 25 partners accredited by Swiss SolidarityOpens a new window. In partnership with the Swiss national broadcaster, Swiss Solidarity collects donations for those affected by humanitarian crises and disasters, such as armed conflicts, earthquakes or floods. Thanks to our collaboration with Swiss Solidarity, we can also support long-term reconstruction projects in the wake of natural disasters.
SRC Humanitarian Foundation
The SRC Humanitarian FoundationOpens a new window is an institution of the Swiss Red Cross. Its sole purpose is to support campaigns and humanitarian projects run by Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.
GOOD TO KNOW
ZEWO hallmark
The SRC has been awarded the Zewo hallmark. The hallmark shows you that the SRC is worthy of your trust.
