In the communities where Swiss Re has offices the Foundation contributes to projects that protect the environment and promote social welfare. It also promotes volunteering initiatives for Swiss Re staff around the world.

Residents of Bajo Lempa, the delta region of El Salvadorʼs Lempa River, receive training from the Swiss Red Cross in emergency evacuation.

Swiss Reʼs 150th anniversary

The Foundation is supporting an exceptional set of projects for Swiss Reʼs 150th anniversary year, demonstrating a shared commitment to improving risk resilience. The Foundation teamed up with partners, clients and Swiss Re employees to launch 16 initiatives, broadly following the anniversary theme of generations.

The social and emotional needs of older generations in the UK are being met through a project that provides vital support services. Childrenʼs basic needs for health and welfare are being met through different projects around the world. The Foundation also looks ahead to future generations by funding basic research that may one day contribute to enhanced resilience for all.

Engaged in the business of change

The Foundation supports projects that build knowledge and capacity, paving the way for change. It also partners with academic institutions and social entrepreneurs to drive research and innovation in social and risk-related challenges.

The Foundationʼs partnership with social entrepreneur Honey Care Africa is a good example. Honey Care Africa helps poor farming communities diversify their incomes by making honey. Under its “Business in a Beehive” programme, communities are organised into clusters, enabling access to a commercial honey value chain. With support from the Foundation, Honey Care is further extending its activities, setting up two new clusters for about 2 000 poor families. Each cluster should be economically sustainable and self-sufficient after about 18 months and families can begin to count on this supplement to their annual income. Honey Care Africa ensures a return on investment for all participating families by guaranteeing the market for all honey produced.

Partnering for effective action

All of the Foundationʼs projects and activities rely on external partners. Together we are working to promote sustainable ways of living that can empower the community.

Further reading:
More on the Foundationʼs partnerships and programmes in The Swiss Re Foundation in 2013