Seminar Foundation Board
Specialization Module for Successful Foundation Work
Overview
Certificate of Attendance "Foundation Board Expertise"
Early summer 2024
University of Bern
Full day
Seminar runs from Thursday morning until Saturday afternoon
3 days
April 30, 2023
3
German
CHF 3,500
Your Benefits
Professionalization
The increasing demands on foundation boards require targeted further training in the strategic management of foundations. The Rochester-Bern seminar provides expertise for competent action in the challenging foundation landscape and thus addresses the emerging need for professionalization of the highest foundation body. The seminar's main focus is on charitable foundations, with pension foundations as the secondary topic.
University Level
The seminar is one of the first continuing education programs for foundation board members at the university level in Switzerland and awards participants ECTS credits from the University of Bern, as well as the "Foundation Board Expertise" certificate from the Rochester-Bern Executive Programs.
Practical and Application-oriented
Professors from the Rochester-Bern Executive Programs network provide the theoretical background, which is complemented by various practical sessions with experienced individuals from foundation in Switzerland. Guest speakers provide participants with practical tools for their own foundation work. In addition to the teaching blocks, the seminar offers sufficient opportunities for reflecting, exchanging ideas, and networking with other participants and lecturers.
Study Modules
The first day of the seminar covers current trends affecting the work of foundation boards and addresses the legal and corporate competences, rights and obligations, as well as the challenges in remunerating foundation board members. Participants will receive an introduction to legal and practical issues along the foundation life cycle.
Learning Objectives (selection)
- Understand the Swiss foundation landscape and the various foundation types
- Know the underlying legal framework of foundation board activities
- Understand the basics of foundation formation and the legal framework
The second day of the seminar covers topics related to effective foundation work. Participants learn how to ensure the successful composition and management of the foundation board, recognize the importance of umbrella foundations, learn about taxation, address sustainability issues, and discuss the effects of their work on the foundation board.
Learning Objectives (selection)
- Know the best practices of governance of foundations
- Assess the role of umbrella foundations for the foundation landscape in Switzerland
- Understand the basics of taxation in the context of foundations
The module addresses the key elements for the successful financial management of the company by the board of directors.
Learning Objectives (selection)
- Understand the benefits of systematic financial analysis
- Know the instruments in the financial cockpit of the board of directors, the basics of financial planning and tax effects
- Evaluate investment projects and financing methods
Program Details
With the seminar Foundation Board you professionalize your mandate activity. You will benefit from a cross-sector exchange and deepen your practical and theoretical know-how.
This university-based continuing education program focuses on the Swiss foundation landscape and ensures a transfer of knowledge for sustainable success.
Please note that courses and dates can be subjects to change.
Following the seminar, participants work independently on an applied knowledge transfer task. On successful completion of the task, they earn 3 ECTS credits and the Foundation Board Expertise certificate from the Rochester-Bern Executive Program. The certificate of achievement is voluntary. Participants who complete the seminar without a certificate of achievement will receive confirmation of participation.
The seminar is aimed at:
- Current and former trustees of foundations who work in a legal capacity and currently hold a mandate or held one recently.
- Alumni/ae of the CAS Board of Directors course.
- Sur dossier candidates: Prospective foundation board members with relevant background and a letter of recommendation from a foundation board chairperson.
- Board for Good Foundation scholarship recipients.
The fee for the three-day specialization seminar is CHF 3,500.
The fee includes seminar participation, electronic teaching materials, lunch on course days, a dinner on the first evening, refreshments during breaks, and confirmation of participation with recognition of ECTS credits. Participants must cover their accommodation expenses.
Members of our partners can benefit from discounts. Our partners are listed here.
Online Application
Download the application package (in German) and complete it electronically. If a signature is required, please print out the document and sign and scan it. You can then upload the completed documents to the application portal. The following documents are required for a complete application. In addition, all terms and conditions must be read and accepted.
- Copy of ID or passport
- Current curriculum vitae
- Letter of motivation
- Proof of credentials or letter of recommendation
- Copy of the highest diploma
- Portrait photo
- Additional information (see application package)
Once your complete application has been uploaded, we will contact you about dates for an interview.
Personal Interview
A personal interview will be conducted to determine if your qualifications and specific needs match the program.
Admission Decision
The admission decision is made after the interview.
What Our Clients Say
“The seminar made me aware of the extent to which the Swiss foundation landscape is undergoing change. In fulfilling our social responsibility, we foundation board members are increasingly required to act in an entrepreneurial manner to ensure efficient and effective foundation activities. A big thank you to the RoBe team and all the speakers for this valuable experience!”
“I recently took over the chair of a newly established foundation. The Foundation Board Seminar gave me a solid overview of the essential tasks and duties of a foundation board in a very practical way and had valuable tips for my role as chairman. I particularly appreciated the personal exchanges with the other participants.”
“It cannot be overestimated how important it is for foundation board members to know the basics of law, decision-making channels, and governance. In this regard, it is essential to have solid theoretical and practical knowledge with which not only to fulfill the foundation board mandate but also to contribute to the foundation sector as a whole.”
“The CAS Board of Directors and the Seminar Foundation Board ideally combine academic substance with practical experience, thus providing an optimal package for foundation members.”