Annual Report 2025
Our organisation
Funding awarded
In 2025, Fondation Botnar continued its work to improve the wellbeing of young people and, with a focus on refinement and consolidation this year, awarded targeted funding to select initiatives and innovative companies.
Grants awarded
In 2025, the Foundation Board approved grants for projects supporting the Foundation’s mission.
Accelerating biomedical research for child and adolescent health
In 2025, we continued supporting biomedical research focused on the needs of children and adolescents. Our investments advance translational research and digital paediatrics, including support for the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) and the Basel Research Centre for Child Health (BRCCH).
Explore funding and financial details in the downloadable report:
Venture philanthropy investments
We continued to invest through our venture philanthropy approach, supporting early-stage start-ups whose products and services contribute positively to the wellbeing of young people.
Financial statements
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with Swiss GAAP FER 21 and Swiss accounting law, presenting a true and fair view of the foundation’s financial position. Grants are recognised when approved by the Foundation Board.
Governance & foundation team
Fondation Botnar is a Swiss philanthropic foundation based in Basel, established in 2003 to continue the philanthropic legacy of Marcela and Octav Botnar. It is a member of SwissFoundations, an umbrella organisation of charitable foundations in Switzerland, and follows the guidelines and recommendations of the Swiss Foundation Code (2021).
Learn more about our governance, audit, supervision
and asset management in the downloadable report.
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Board engagement and strategic priorities in 2025
In 2025, the Foundation Board reflected on the Foundation’s approach to investing for impact in partnership with young people and other stakeholders. Drawing on the legacy of the founding family, the Board discussed how to strengthen implementation of the refined strategy, including the capabilities and collaborations required.
A Board visit to Ghana further informed these discussions through exchanges with young people, policymakers and civil society partners, providing insights relevant to advancing young people’s rights and wellbeing.
View our team:
Photo credits: Amnesty International, Healthy Cities for Adolescents, NuestraBarranquilla, Roland Váczi, STAR-Ghana Foundation, TangaYetu, The Digital Health and Rights Project, United for Global Mental Health.