The Swiss legal framework on foundations and its principles about transparency

This article deals with issu es of transparency applicable to grant - making foundations in Switzerland and analyzes the legal regime in this regard. This analysis is contextualized by functional aspects typically affecting the performance of foundations. The article concludes that the Swiss regime is minimalist and that it might not be sufficient in terms of setting standards on transparency. However, we identify positive developments in the self - governing rules included in the Swiss Foundation Code (SFC). This Code provides a very effe ctive complementary tool. It constitutes a laudable effort on the part of Switzerland’s philanthropic sector to reinforce self - regulation by setting transparency standards.