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Fondation SUISA
Fondation SUISA was created in 1989 by SUISA, the Cooperative Society of Music Authors and Publishers. Its endowment originates from a contractual 2.5 percent...
Fondation SUISA
Fondation SUISA was created in 1989 by SUISA, the Cooperative Society of Music Authors and Publishers. Its endowment originates from a contractual 2.5 percent levy on SUISA's domestic performing and broadcasting rights income. The foundation channels these resources into grants, awards, and platforms that support Swiss composers and performers. Capital deployment centers on music promotion rather than financial assets. Confirmed activities include ownership of Maison de la Musique in Lausanne and co-ownership of Swiss Music Export. The foundation participates in festival sponsorships across Switzerland, France, Germany, Finland, and the United Kingdom. It maintains formal partnerships with Pro Helvetia and Migros Culture Percentage for joint programs such as the m4music festival and Demotape Clinic. The organization employs two professionals and holds membership in SwissFoundations. It also maintains a service relationship with BDO SA for accounting matters. In 2026 Urs Schnell retires as director and Fabio Baechtold assumes the role. Governance rests with a foundation board led by Xavier Dayer. The structure separates grant-making from SUISA's commercial rights administration while relying on that revenue stream for perpetuity.
General information
Firm type
Endowment / Foundation
Year founded
1989
Location
Region
Europe
Country
Switzerland
City
Lausanne
Corporate office
Avenue du Grammont 11bis, 1007 Lausanne, Switzerland
Principals
Xavier Dayer
President of the Foundation Board
Urs Schnell
Director
Fabio Baechtold
Director
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Fondation SUISA?
The foundation board chaired by Xavier Dayer sets overall direction. Day-to-day operations fall to the director, currently Urs Schnell until July 2026 when Fabio Baechtold takes over.
How does Fondation SUISA source its funding?
It receives a fixed 2.5 percent deduction from SUISA's domestic performing and broadcasting rights collections. No external capital calls or investment returns form the primary revenue base.
Does Fondation SUISA make direct investments or only grants?
Activity centers on grants, awards, and festival sponsorships. It holds direct ownership of Maison de la Musique and a stake in Swiss Music Export.
Where does Fondation SUISA operate geographically?
Core activity remains in Switzerland. It extends reach through sponsorships at events in France, Germany, Finland, and the United Kingdom.
How is Fondation SUISA related to SUISA?
SUISA founded the foundation and supplies its ongoing revenue through the rights deduction mechanism. The two entities maintain separate legal structures.
What professional networks does Fondation SUISA belong to?
It holds membership in SwissFoundations, the association of Swiss grant-making foundations.
What recent leadership change has occurred at Fondation SUISA?
Urs Schnell retires as director in 2026. Fabio Baechtold was appointed to succeed him starting July 2026.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
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