latest news
- A trip to Asia.
(February 2010)
Seeing the result of your donations with your own eyes and benefiting from a field visit to discover new philanthropic opportunities. Beginning of 2010 a couple experienced such a trip when they went for a week to Vietnam and Cambodia accompanied by Maurice Machenbaum, co-founder of wise.
- Unique course at IMD for influential individuals.
(January 2010)
The renowned International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has invited wise to teach an optional two hours course on philanthropy. The course entitled « Responsible Leadership – An eye opener » lies within the program « Building on Talent – Developing the Next Generation of Leaders » (BOT).
- Reflecting on responsible leadership today.
(Philanthropy UK, December 2009)
Philanthropy is a discrete but active field in Switzerland with about one foundation for every 1000 citizens. Like many other economies, over the past few months Switzerland has been faced with a new reality, notably in the financial industry, which no one had predicted would happen within this generation.
- The association Sustainable Finance Geneva blows out its first candle.
(November 2009)
With a common interest to increase the awareness of financial players to responsible investment solution and promote the Swiss and Genevan financial centres as major actors in sustainable finance, this association of Geneva-based professionals sees itself as a platform to share ideas and drive action especially around philanthropy, responsible investment or even microfinance.
- A week-end for exchange around family philanthropy.
(October 2009)
Mid-September, wise brought together six families of entrepreneurs from all over Europe to share their experiences in terms of philanthropy. The Mérieux family welcomed the participants in the beautiful gardens of the Pensières center, around the lake of Annecy, in what turned out to be the first private meeting of families around the theme of philanthropy.
- Brainstorming around leading foundations in times of change.
(August 2009)
wise has been commissioned by the Banque du Luxembourg to jointly shape the agenda of a conference organized by the Bank on 8-9 October.
- «The role and impact of foundations in times of crisis»: conference for a public based in the French speaking part of Switzerland.
(July 2009)
A conference on «The role and impact of foundations in times of crisis» will be held in Geneva on the 23rd of September 2009. Organised by SwissFoundations, it offers to analyse and answer some topical questions through debates and panels.
- «Confidence of a Philanthropist», six family entrepreneurs reveal their commitments to philanthropy
(June 2009)
Mandated by the Banque de Luxembourg, wise took an active role in publishing a booklet entitled « Confidence of a Philanthropist» relating to the philanthropy within entrepreneurial families.
- Field trip - News from Tanzania
(May 2009)
During a five day trip, wise allowed a young philanthropist to discover a project set up by CAMFED Tanzania.
- Wise approached by Barclays Bank and the Economist Intelligence Unit for a new study
(April 2009)
Within the context of its new reflection on the relationship between family offices and philanthropy, Barclays Bank has summoned wise among others for advice on their report « Barclays Wealth Insights - Volume 8 : Family Business : In Safe Hands ? ».
- A training in philanthropy for the young generation
(March 2009)
Upon an initiative lead by the Swiss bank Lombard Odier, « Make a Difference » offers a learning journey in Brazil in view of raising awareness and training family business members of the younger generation. The programme, scheduled from the 6th to the 15th of August 2009, offers a unique field experience with experienced professionals.
- "Why Others?", a reflection on the art of giving
(February 2009)
Etienne Eichenberger and Maurice Machenbaum were among those who contributed to writing this essay on philanthropy. The work which explores the main principles of giving shows how anyone can give and the pleasure that results from intelligent giving...
- The role of advisors in philanthropy
(STEP, February 2009)
There is a seismic shift underway in the landscape of European philanthropy. Six out of ten of Europe’s most trusted advisors believe that philanthropy will become increasingly important over the next five years, ...
- wise invests in Luxembourg
(January 2009)
Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker recently inaugurated the Fondation du Luxembourg to develop a philanthropy policy in his country. The project follows a joint study carried out by the Banque de Luxembourg, wise and FSG Social Impact Advisors...
- Luxembourg fosters a culture of giving
(Philanthropy UK, 22 January 2009)
The Foundation de Luxembourg has been launched, less than one year on from Prime Minister Jean-Claude Juncker’s declaration that it was time for the country to develop a philanthropy policy. ...
- Why others ?
(LODH, October 2008)
One of today’s challenges is how to become more professional in philanthropic involvement. What are the project’s long-term prospects? How can the goals be achieved and how is the money being used? ...
- A new study shows that professional advisors are not meeting current demands in philanthropy
(Scorpio Partnership, 15 October 2008)
Six out of ten professionals from private banking, multi-family offices, board members of foundations, lawyers and accountants with private clients, believe that philanthropy will soar in the next five years ...
- Charities wise up to create a business opportunity
(The Financial Time, 9 October 2008)
Small and particularly mid-sized charities are now an important potential source of new business for UK private client and institutional money managers...
- Luxembourg invests in philanthropy
(Private Banking, September 2008)
Over the last twenty years, philanthropy has seen phenomenal development in Europe. Well, not quite everywhere in Europe. Although Luxembourg has a great many advantages, it has only played a minor role in philanthropy so far...
- Crossing borders: an essential guide for philanthropists
(Philanthropy UK, September 2008)
Overseas development continues to rank amongst the most popular causes for UK donors. Last year, donations to international development charities were around £1 billion, or 9% of total UK giving. Historically, however, Britain’s wealthy have been less likely to give internationally...
- Europe gets the bug
(Intelligent Life, Summer 2008)
American-style philanthropy is catching on over here. Matthew Bishop explains.
- The view from the other side
(Alliance magazine, June 2008)
Alliance asked four NGOs about their relationships with their funders, to what extent they welcome involvement, where they draw the line, and whether some types of donor are more likely to want to be involved than others. Although all four set clear boundaries, it seems that most of their experiences with donors wanting to be involved have been positive.
- Philanthropy for Next Generation
A Learning Journey in Brazil in August 2008
«(…) There is nothing more powerful than a social entrepreneur with a great idea.»
William Drayton, Chairman, Ashoka