Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)

SWISSAID has been working with the SDC since its inception in the 1940s. Initially dedicated to the reconstruction of post-war Europe, SWISSAID – formerly known as the “Swiss Donation” – quickly expanded to other continents, where the needs were most urgent. This commitment was made possible in part by SDC funds. Its support has enabled millions of people, through hundreds of projects, to improve their living conditions and become self-sufficient.

SDC’s cooperation with Swiss NGOs aims to create synergies and multiplier effects in order to achieve Switzerland’s international cooperation (IC) objectives. Cooperation with NGOs that are well rooted in the Swiss population also strengthens the understanding of this foreign policy activity.

SDC contributions can be made in two ways:

• Program contributions: financial support for international programs run by Swiss NGOs. These programs allow for sustainable development aid in collaboration with local populations. The aim is to empower the people supported, making it a point of honour for them to be involved in every stage of the projects.
• Mandates and targeted contributions: financial support or contracts for specific projects or initiatives carried out by Swiss or foreign NGOs. They delegate to the NGO the implementation of projects in line with the SDC’s thematic and local strategies.

The current contributions from the SDC are presented in the most recent annual report.

SWISSAID renews its application for program contributions from the Swiss Confederation every four years, following the guidelines of the international cooperation strategy.

• Engagement with NGOs
• Contributions to NGOs
• Mandates
• Facts and figures