The establishment of a new interdisciplinary research centre reflects the strong growth of the estimated 12,000 strong charitable foundation sector in Switzerland.

The Centre for Philanthropy Studies (CEPS) at the University of Basel, launched in 2008, aims to offer an academic framework for the study of strategic and operational foundation work in the country. Research at CEPS will focus on three main areas:

• Governance and the legitimacy of foundations
• Strategies, performance and potential of foundations
• Philanthropy and social capital

As well as conducting research projects, the centre aims to promote accurate data collection and offers training in the field. Staff at CEPS will work closely with colleagues from other research institutions.

The centre is directed by Professor Georg von Schnurbein and funded by six members of SwissFoundations, the Association of Swiss Grantmaking foundations.