Schweiz. Patenschaft f. Berggemeinden

The idea of solidarity between mountain and valley regions led to the founding of the Swiss Sponsorship for Mountain Communities in 1940 and has been a recurring theme in its daily work ever since. It has set itself the goal of reducing the gap between affluent and economically disadvantaged regions in our country and, through project-related aid to financially weak communities, cooperatives, corporations, etc. to help mountain regions remain habitable, farmed, and cared for.

Thanks to the great solidarity of the Swiss people, applications from mountain communities in the following areas can be supported on an ongoing basis:

• Infrastructure (e.g., water and sewage systems, electricity supplies)
• Measures for the care and preservation of our Alps (e.g., alpine buildings, improvements)
• Protective measures against natural hazards (e.g., reforestation, avalanche and stream control, forest maintenance)
• Clean-up and reconstruction work after natural disasters
• Education of the younger generation (e.g., kindergartens, school buildings)
• Creation and maintenance of sustainable jobs

The last two points in particular deserve close attention in mountain regions. To ensure that our Alpine region continues to be cared for and used, every effort must be made to ensure that the younger generation does not leave their homeland. Children in mountain regions have dreams and aspirations just like children in the lowlands. They all hope for an active and carefree future.

What does this require? First and foremost, the opportunity to develop their own talents and gain independence. This includes a good education and the prospect of a stable job in the region.

That is why a wide range of educational opportunities in their own region is essential for young people in the mountains. If we succeed in keeping or attracting higher education institutions to the valleys, then more small and medium-sized enterprises will also be interested in well-qualified workers, stay in the Alpine region or choose to locate there. After all, the establishment of promising technical colleges also motivates entrepreneurs when choosing a location.

Where does the money go?

The Swiss Sponsorship for Mountain Communities connects mountain communities in need with financially strong communities and patrons from the lowlands. Donors can choose a project that suits them for support at any time. This often results in long-term sponsorships. On the other hand, the sponsorship provides project-related direct aid from funds raised through its annual fundraising campaign and legacies.

Every year, the Swiss Sponsorship for Mountain Communities processes around 350 applications from municipalities and public bodies. Using a questionnaire, project documents, financing documents, local chronicles, etc., an objective picture of the financial situation of the applicants, the subsidy options, and the eligibility of the projects for support is developed in close cooperation with the responsible cantons, municipalities, and related organizations. The proposed projects are examined on site by specialists from the board and independent experts. A decision on assistance is only made once all the documents relevant to a proper decision have been compiled.