This statement defines the GF Water Foundation’s approach to development projects around the world. It sets out the Foundation’s purpose, funding principles, and governance, and outlines how the Foundation’s activities are managed.
1 Purpose & Scope
The GF Water Foundation, established as a corporate foundation of Georg Fischer AG, complements the company’s sustainability commitments with development projects around the world. While GF integrates environmental and social responsibility into its business operations, the Foundation extends this engagement into humanitarian aid, skills and community development as well as ecosystem preservation.
Water is at the center of the Foundation’s mission to improve livelihoods and build resilience among vulnerable people and communities around the world.
2 Principles & Integrity
The Foundation is committed to transparency, neutrality, and integrity in all its activities. We act independently of political or religious interest. We act with credibility, reliability, and accountability in everything we do and everywhere we operate. We maintain zero tolerance for corruption and discrimination. We expect all partners to share these values and remain accountable for their actions in line with our values. Supported activities must be non-discriminatory and promote equality and inclusion, including gender equality, and respect human rights in the communities in which the Foundation operates. The Foundation does not support political parties, sanctioned entities, or projects in high-risk jurisdictions without explicit clearance.
3 Governance & Responsibilities
The GF Water Foundation is a legally independent charitable entity registered in Switzerland. The Foundation operates in full compliance with Swiss foundation law and is subject to supervision by the Schaffhausen Office of Justice and Communities. All activities, including project funding and fundraising, adhere to applicable Swiss and international laws. Where funds are transferred across borders, the Foundation complies with relevant financial and legal requirements.
The Foundation is governed by its own Board of Trustees that sets the Foundation’s vision and mission, approves operating strategy and project funding and ensures transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Foundation’s purpose.
4 Transparency & Accountability
The GF Water Foundation is committed to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. The Foundation’s accounts are independently audited each year. All funds are strictly reserved for projects and their beneficiaries. All employees of the GF Water Foundations do not receive salary compensation from the Foundation. Conflicts of interest must be disclosed and managed to safeguard integrity in decision-making.
5 Holistic Funding
The GF Water Foundation’s funding includes grants, products and expertise, as well as volunteering GF employees’ time, to serve the Foundation’s purpose.
5.1 Due diligence
All potential recipients must go through a due diligence process which requires standardized documentation as well as independent and in person verification.
5.2 Funding approval
Funding approvals follow a defined process with thresholds and signoffs determined by the Board of Trustees.
5.3 Funding cycle
Funding cycle aligns with strictly defined and mutually agreed project KPIs and deadlines. Funding is always provided in stages to allow proper monitoring and evaluation. GF employees are active in representing the Foundation in monitoring and evaluation.
6 Fundraising
The Foundation is primarily funded by Georg Fischer AG. Corporate and private donations are accepted.
6.1 Use of Donations
Donations collected are used solely for the Foundation’s projects. Contributions do not provide commercial advantages or preferential treatment to donors.
6.2 Transparency & Reporting
Donors receive certificates of donations from the Foundation as well as reports on the projects supporting impact stories and progress updates on an annual basis.
7 Data Protection and Privacy
The Foundation processes participant and donor data in accordance with GDPR and Swiss law. Personal data collected for registrations and donations are used solely for event participation, fundraising administration, and communication purposes. Data is securely stored, never sold to third parties, and only shared with trusted service providers where necessary. Data subjects retain rights of access, rectification, and deletion.
8 Disclaimer
The Foundation carries out its activities, projects, events, and provides products or services in good faith. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Foundation is not liable for any loss, damage, or claim arising from its activities or from the provision of products or services, whether free of charge, donated, or otherwise. This includes any warranties, express or implied, including but not limited to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement. This Statement is subject to change and does not constitute the basis for any claims by any employees or third parties with regard to the GF Water Foundation.
