Creating a fund in your name
Promote a cause close to your heart
Whether through a gift, a legacy or by appointing the ETH Zurich Foundation as a co-heir; whether your support is general or quite specific – it is always possible to set up your own named fund. This can also serve as an alternative to establishing a sub-foundation. For example, the “Maria Smith Fund for the Advancement of Research and Teaching at ETH Zurich” or the “Max Smith Fund to Promote Climate Research.”
Making an impact
We will provide regular updates on the progress of the supported projects as well as on the financial development of your fund. At your request, we are happy to arrange personal meetings with the students or researchers you are supporting. Additionally, we ensure that your named fund receives the level of visibility you wish.
“Our named fund relieves us of the administrative burden but still allows us to make a real difference to a cause of our choice.”
Jörg Wilhelm
ETH alumnus and donor
Frequently asked questions
Together with the ETH Foundation, you define the key aspects of your named fund (in particular its name, purpose and donation amount) either in a contract or through a testamentary gift.
Yes. The fund may carry your own name or be dedicated to someone else (for instance, in memory of your parents).
With a named fund, you can support projects that matter most to you. Choose within the broad mission of the ETH Foundation:
- from funding outstanding or
- financially disadvantaged ETH students,
- to supporting entrepreneurially minded ETH researchers,
- through to advancing specific research fields such as climate, quantum or health research.
If you wish, you or a trusted representative may take part in the selection of projects.
The ETH Foundation will manage your fund in accordance with the applicable investment regulations. Its operating expenses are funded using the capital income from all its managed assets. This way, 100 percent of your legacy benefits ETH Zurich and the purpose you have chosen.
Next steps
Would you like to establish your own named fund, or find out more?
We would be delighted to arrange a confidential conversation with you and answer your questions in person.
Impact of named funds
Behind every named fund lies a unique story. Let these stories inspire you and show how lasting impact can grow from personal commitment.
The Dr. Alfred und Flora Spälti Fonds enables research in the fields of electrical engineering, energy research, communications and physics.
The Amon Marxer Fonds zur Förderung der Wissenschaft funds research into artificial intelligence.
The Else und Friedrich Hugel Fonds supports projects and students in the fields of mechatronics, power electronics and drive technologies.
The Emil Halter Fonds funds projects in the field of digital teaching and educational technology.
The ETH Zurich Scholarship in Peace Mediation Fund supports participants of the MAS ETH Mediation in Peace Processes.
The Gerd and Irène Burla Fund supports students studying architecture and agricultural sciences.
The Hans Item Fonds supports the Excellence Scholarship programme.
Der Linda Roethlisberger / TRILOGOS Fonds fördert Projekte im Bereich Persönlichkeitsbildung und -entwicklung.
The Max Rössler Fonds supports outstanding ETH professors.
Der Marc A. Kolpin and Gina Kolpin Excellence Scholarship Fund fördert Talente.
The Nagoli-Fonds supports students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds by providing them with needs-based scholarships.
The Peter und Waltraud Betsche-Fonds enables projects in the field of architectural history.
The Projektfonds für Energie Prof. Wokaun funds energy research.
The Rector’s Impulse Fund, set up by Adrian Weiss, supports innovative short-term projects in teaching.
The RUMOR Fonds enables research in the field of plant physiology, plant biochemistry and plant genetics.
The Spickenreuther Fonds supports students.
The Thallos Fonds, set up by Lucien Trueb and Yoshiko Yasukawa, funds research in the fields of chemistry, physics and material sciences.
The Ursula Himmel-Glarner Fonds supports outstanding Master’s students.
The Ursula and Gaston Wolf-Meier Fund supports students from disadvantaged financial backgrounds.
The Dr. Walter und Edith Fischli Fonds enables research in the field of lymphoma.
Our heartfelt thanks go to those people who are supporting teaching and research at ETH with a named fund.
Your contacts
Nathalie Sommer
Head Legacies & Philanthropy
+41 44 633 36 36
Email
Dr Donald Tillman
Managing Director
+41 44 633 69 66
Email