Philanthropy · Foundations
Philanthropy with structure, and the time to compound.
We help families and entrepreneurs structure and implement their philanthropic initiatives, alongside trusted specialists, with the clarity and discipline they bring to the rest of their wealth.
Our approach
How we work with families on this.
Start with intent, not vehicle
Foundation, donor-advised fund, direct giving. The vehicle is downstream of the intent: who, where, over what horizon, with what level of family involvement.
Governance from day one
Decision rules, board composition, grant-making process. A foundation that lasts is a governance file as much as a charitable one.
Endowment management
Philanthropic capital deserves the same investment discipline as the rest of the wealth: clear policy, asset allocation, manager selection, reporting.
Specialists on impact, NESS on structure
We work alongside foundation specialists and impact advisors. Our role is structural, fiduciary and financial; theirs is thematic and operational.
Who we serve
Three profiles, one standard of attention.
Families with intent
Households ready to formalise an existing engagement, with a multi-decade horizon in mind.
Entrepreneurs after exit
Founders who want philanthropy to be part of how they deploy proceeds, structured from day one rather than improvised later.
Next-generation principals
Heirs taking ownership of a family's philanthropic engagement, who want a framework rather than an empty mandate.
What we do
Disciplines most relevant to this work.
Philanthropy usually anchors structuring, governance and a dedicated investment policy.
Philanthropy
We assist our clients in structuring and implementing their philanthropic initiatives, ensuring they remain aligned with their values and long-term vision, while working with trusted specialists to deliver clarity and lasting impact.
Family Governance
We support families and entrepreneurs in coordinating family daily affairs and in establishing clear, long-term governance frameworks.
Wealth Structuring
We help our clients organize their assets and entities for the long term with a focus on continuity, efficiency, and consistency across structures and jurisdictions.
Investment Strategy
We develop both short- and long-term investment strategies based on your objectives, liquidity needs, and broader family capital structure. This includes working alongside your legal and tax advisors to ensure that investment decisions are aligned with your broader planning framework.
2012
FINMA
Geneva
Open architecture
Frequently asked
Questions families ask before engaging.
Foundation, fund or direct giving?
It depends on the family's intent, scale, jurisdiction and willingness to operate a structure. A standalone foundation is meaningful but heavy. Donor-advised funds and direct giving cover many situations more efficiently.
How is the endowment invested?
Under a written investment policy aligned with the foundation's horizon and risk tolerance. We apply the same selection and oversight standards as for the family's other assets.
Can the next generation be involved?
Often it should be. Philanthropy is one of the best frames to involve the next generation in real decisions, with stakes that matter but bounded by a clear governance.
Do you choose the causes?
No. The family defines intent and priorities. We provide structural and financial counsel, and coordinate with specialists who assess and monitor specific causes or grantees.
What about cross-border giving?
Cross-border philanthropy adds legal and tax complexity. We assemble the right specialists by jurisdiction and keep the family file coherent across them.
Contact
Let us talk.
If philanthropy is becoming a structured part of your wealth, let us discuss the framework.