Philanthropy: sponsorship and patronage

Basic principles

The principle of scientific freedom is rooted in the Swiss Constitution (Art. 20) and is non-negotiable.

The source of funds and the reputation of sponsors and patrons must be clearly established. Patronage and sponsorship activities must be free of any religious or political connotations.

Contacts established between EPFL and current or potential sponsors or patrons must be free of any conflict of interest and not be exploited for personal gain.

Patrons’ and sponsors’ interests are taken into account in all negotiations as well as throughout the performance of the contract. However, academic freedom, the independence of education and the rules in force at EPFL must not be hindered. Moreover, patrons and sponsors do not have the right to veto the appointment of a professor when financing a chair. Nevertheless, they do have the right to refuse to associate their name with a candidate. In such a case, EPFL waives the contract and hires the professor without financial support from the patron or sponsor.

LEX 1.10.1 applies to patronage and sponsorship contracts and – subject to the Directive on Subsidies, Research Contracts and Technology Transfer (DSCRTT, LEX 3.4.1) – to research donations, and governs their acceptance.

Responsabilities 

The EPFL Direction is in charge of the EPFL philanthropy and sponsoring strategy. On behalf of the EPFL Direction, the Philanthropy is responsible for related due diligence as well as assistance in the fundraising process and implementation, stewardship of patrons and sponsors, communication coordination and the supervision of proper contract performance.

As the superiors and immediate superiors of beneficiaries, the Deans and College Directors are responsible for the proper performance of contracts relating to their School or College. Where the beneficiary is not attached to a faculty or college, the relevant Vice-President is responsible for overseeing and ensuring proper execution of the contract.

The holders of a sponsored chair or project are responsible for performing all contractual obligations and must collaborate with the Philanthropy in informing patrons and sponsors of their activities through annual reports, for example.

In order to ensure a coherent and strategic institutional approach to philanthropy, EPFL introduced a Functional Reporting policy in March 2024. This policy aims to coordinate all fundraising activities across the institution.

Each EPFL unit involved in philanthropic initiatives must designate a Liaison Officer, responsible for coordinating with the Philanthropy team. Before any contact with a donor or prospect, the Liaison Officer must inform the Philanthropy team and ensure alignment with EPFL’s strategic priorities.

Liaison Officers are invited to take part in the regular meetings organized by the Philanthropy team.

This structure enables effective collaboration, rigorous donor relationship management, and a consistent representation of EPFL to philanthropic partners.

Legal basis 

• LEX 1.10.1 “Directive on Sponsorship and Patronage at EPFL”
• “Federal Act on Freedom of Information in the Administration (Freedom of Information Act, FoIA)”
• LEX 7.1.0.2 “Directive sur la gestion de l’immobilier dans le Domaine des écoles polytechniques fédérales”
• “Directive relative au traitement des dons et parrainages concernant les immeubles du domaine des EPF”

Further informations 

• Donations

Advice for day-to-day business

Contact the Philanthropy for advice and opinions on procedures and policies concerning sponsoring and patronage (compliance and due diligence).

Do not share or distribute information or confidential documents with third parties without first ensuring compliance with the FADP and the GDPR.

Keep relationships with sponsors and patrons and potential sponsors and patrons strictly professional and refrain from exploiting these relationships for private purposes.

Refuse any compensation based on a commission or a percentage of the funds raised.

Refuse any external reward for obtaining a donation or information likely to lead to a donation.

During negotiations, inform the sponsor or patron that the contract is subject to the principle of transparency and may be submitted to a third party upon their request.