Engagement with impact
What endures is what we pass on. The Isaac Dreyfus-Bernheim Foundation supports projects with long-term societal value through focused and sustained commitment. It is guided by the belief that thoughtful initiatives today can grow into meaningful and lasting impact over time.
The Foundation
Since 2013, the Isaac Dreyfus-Bernheim Foundation has been a leading advocate for charitable, humanitarian, cultural, educational and research causes. As a legally independent foundation, it brings together the long-standing philanthropic commitment of the owner families of Dreyfus Sons & Co Ltd, Banquiers in Basel. The bank provides generous support to the foundation. Established to mark the 200th anniversary of Dreyfus Sons & Co Ltd, Banquiers, the Foundation embodies a commitment that has grown over generations and is rooted in the Bank’s history.
The Foundation Board
The Foundation Board is composed of members of the seventh generation of the founding family of Dreyfus Sons & Co Ltd, Banquiers, as well as representatives of the bank. Its members bring a broad range of professional expertise and social perspectives to the Board and carry out their philanthropic responsibilities with great dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.
Members of the Board
Jonathan Blum
Felix Dreyfus
Dina Guth
Dr. Theodor Lang (President of the Board)
Dr. Daniel Witschi
Management
Nadja Berger
Isaac Dreyfus-Bernheim
Isaac Dreyfus-Bernheim immigrated to Switzerland in 1812 as a French Jew. As one of the first European Jews to be granted civil rights, he took advantage of the economic opportunities this afforded him. There are few written records of his life, but his business career is well documented. Raised in a family of fabric merchants in Alsace, he initially gained experience as a commercial clerk and army supplier during a period of profound upheaval.
In the second generation, his sons continued the real estate and mortgage business. In addition, the family became increasingly involved in the Swiss securities and issuing market, laying the foundation for today’s private bank.
Funding areas
The Isaac Dreyfus-Bernheim Foundation follows the recommendations of the ‘Swiss Foundation Code’ and meets the requirements of modern ‘foundation governance’. In line with the foundation’s purpose, it has defined the following three funding areas for the coming years.
