Role of Fondation Dora in the Funding Ecosystem
Fondation Dora is a Swiss private foundation created in 2011 under Swiss law, recognized as being of public benefit. As a member of SwissFoundations, the umbrella association for philanthropic foundations in Switzerland, it serves as a grant-making organization that provides financial support to organizations implementing programmes for children with special needs.
General Evaluation Criteria for Applications
The foundation prioritizes support for the creation and development of new projects that help young children. Project submissions and funding requests are evaluated by a Projects Committee, which typically responds within four to six weeks. There are no submission deadlines, though the committee does not meet during July and August. Requests must align with the foundation's mission as stated on its homepage.
Transparency, Governance, and Accountability
The foundation is governed by a board including Dr Dora Borenstein-Cognié (President and founder), Mr Gérard Cognié (Founder), and Mr Carl Heggli (Lawyer). As a member of SwissFoundations, it adheres to the standards of the Swiss philanthropic sector.
History and Evolution of the Organization
Founded in 2011, Fondation Dora has developed its focus on supporting programmes dedicated to research, prevention, training, and treatment for children facing special needs situations.
Supported Audiences and Overall Impact
The foundation supports programmes aimed at children, their families, and professionals who work with them. It focuses on children facing physical or mental health issues, learning difficulties, problems at home, or breakdown in family relationships. The foundation is committed to mid and long-term programmes and works closely with the institutions that run them.
Institutional Partnerships and Networks
Fondation Dora is a member of SwissFoundations and collaborates with institutions such as the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV) and the University of Texas Medical Center in Houston, USA on funded research projects.