Question 1

Why is a donation important?

Accepted Answer

A donation can directly support the work of the Swiss Red Cross on the ground. This provides immediate and effective help to families and individuals in need in our country. Thanks to your generosity, we can better respond to emergencies, fight poverty and provide essential training.

Question 2

Poverty: How can I help?

Accepted Answer

Your donations to fight poverty are used to fund food assistance programs, financial aid and access to medical care for families in difficulty.

Question 3

How can I donate?

Accepted Answer

Making an online donation to the Swiss Red Cross is a simple and secure process. You can choose to support different projects in Switzerland or abroad, specify the amount of your donation and its frequency (one-off, monthly, annual), and choose your payment method from several options (credit card, Twint, PayPal or bank transfer). Once the form has been completed, your donation is validated and confirmed by e-mail. Your contribution enables the Swiss Red Cross to provide essential aid, both in Switzerland and abroad.

For more information and to make a donation, visit the page: Donate online to the Swiss Red Cross.

Question 4

Which organizations can I donate to?

Accepted Answer

In Switzerland, a number of humanitarian organizations are active at national and international level, including the Red Cross, the International Committee of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, Caritas and Helvetas. These organizations are involved in a wide range of fields, including emergency aid, sustainable development and social support.

Question 5

Where can you make a reliable donation?

Accepted Answer

To donate with confidence, we recommend choosing a Zewo-certified organization, a quality label that guarantees the transparent and ethical allocation of funds. Examples include the Swiss Red Cross, Helvetas and Caritas.

Question 6

Who can collect donations?

Accepted Answer

To collect donations, you need to register where necessary with the relevant cantonal authorities, and use legally compliant fundraising methods such as online campaigns, fundraising events or corporate partnerships. You can also launch your own fundraising campaign directly for an organization of your choice in Switzerland, provided it offers this option. Start your own fundraising campaign for the Swiss Red Cross here.

Question 7

Donations to an association and taxes: are donations tax-deductible?

Accepted Answer

Yes, donations to recognized charitable organizations are tax-deductible. The deductible amount varies from canton to canton, but a portion of the donation is generally deductible if the conditions are met. It is advisable to find out about the specifics of your canton, or to seek advice from a tax specialist.

Question 8

How can I donate to concrete actions?

Accepted Answer

By choosing to make a donation to a recognized organization, you can be sure that your contribution will be used for concrete initiatives in the field, in Switzerland or elsewhere, where the need is greatest. Whether it's to provide food assistance, financial aid or access to medical care, every donation is essential to improving the lives of the most vulnerable. Act now and help ensure a brighter future for those who need it most.

Question 9

How high are transaction fees on online donations?

Accepted Answer

The fees depend on the payment method chosen:  American Express: 1.25%  Apple Pay: 2.9% + CHF 0.30 per transaction  Google Pay: 2.9% + CHF 0.30 per transaction  Mastercard: 1.25%  PayPal: 1.9%  PostFinance: 1.3%  Swiss Direct Debit: CHF 0.45 per transaction  Twint: 1.25%  Visa: 1.25%  Donations at the post office: CHF 1.20 (up to CHF 50), 1.60 (up to CHF 100), 2.35 (up to 1,000), 3.95 (up to 10,000)  Our partner RaiseNow also charges a 0.5% fee on electronic payments.  All online donations, direct debit donations and QR invoice donations with reference numbers can be processed automatically, which reduces our overheads.

Question 10

Why should I donate to the Swiss Red Cross (SRC)?

Accepted Answer

The SRC is a well-established, professional relief organization and has had the Zewo quality seal since 1967. The SRC is the national Red Cross society in Switzerland. It is therefore a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world's largest humanitarian network. Through this connection, the SRC provides efficient and effective help for people in need. It works in the health, integration, and rescue sectors in Switzerland and in other countries. Donors in Switzerland have been putting their trust in the SRC ever since it was founded over 150 years ago.

Question 11

Is the SRC certified by Zewo?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the SRC has had the Zewo quality seal since 1967. Zewo is an independent organization, whose quality seal confirms that the SRC uses the donations it receives effectively, economically and for the right purpose. Zewo has developed 21 standards and the SRC must meet all of them if it is to keep its certification. The quality seal shows you that the SRC is trustworthy and will put your donations to good use. The SRC must also inform its donors clearly and transparently.

Question 12

Can I deduct my donations to the SRC from my taxable income?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the SRC is a recognized charitable organization. In mid-January, you will receive a donation confirmation summarizing all your donations to the SRC. The maximum amount you can deduct in your tax return depends on cantonal regulations.

Question 13

Is my information secure?

Accepted Answer

We do our utmost to protect your data and do not pass any information on to third parties. The SRC is subject to the statutory data protection provisions. As the leading Swiss relief organization, it undertakes to handle its donors’ data transparently and trustworthily. You can find out more about this in the SRC’s Data Protection Policy.

Question 14

Can I make a donation in a foreign currency?

Accepted Answer

The Swiss Red Cross (SRC) has currency accounts in euros and US dollars. Donations may be made into these accounts in those currencies. N.B. The SRC uses these two accounts mainly for business transactions relating to its work abroad. For this reason, any donations into these accounts must be clearly earmarked ‘Donation’. To thank you for your donation, the SRC also needs your full address. If you have any questions, please contact our Donor Management Sector. IBAN for US dollar donations: CH45 0023 5235 6942 0060 B 
IBAN for euro donations: CH77 0023 5235 6942 0061 E Bank: UBS AG, 3000 Bern
Clearing No. 235
SWIFT code: UBSWCHZH80A Account holder: Verein Schweizerisches Rotes Kreuz, Rainmattstrasse 10, 3001 Bern, Switzerland

Question 15

How high are transaction fees on online donations?

Accepted Answer

The fees depend on the payment method chosen:  American Express: 1.25%  Apple Pay: 2.9% + CHF 0.30 per transaction  Google Pay: 2.9% + CHF 0.30 per transaction  Mastercard: 1.25%  PayPal: 1.9%  PostFinance: 1.3%  Swiss Direct Debit: CHF 0.45 per transaction  Twint: 1.25%  Visa: 1.25%  Donations at the post office: CHF 1.20 (up to CHF 50), 1.60 (up to CHF 100), 2.35 (up to 1,000), 3.95 (up to 10,000)  Our partner RaiseNow also charges a 0.5% fee on electronic payments.  All online donations, direct debit donations and QR invoice donations with reference numbers can be processed automatically, which reduces our overheads.

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