Swiss Friends of Oxford University (SFOU) was founded in 2017 to make it easier and more tax-efficient for Swiss-resident taxpayers to donate to the University and its colleges and departments.
Set up as an association (Verein) under Swiss law, SFOU has a tax rulings from the canton of Zug recognising its tax-exempt status.
This means that under the rules of the Association, donations from Swiss residents are tax deductible, and legacies are exempt from any applicable cantonal gifts tax, provided that they support:
capital projects
research projects
academic posts (fellowships and professorships) and
student scholarships
planned by the University, its departments, and its colleges. The Association is not permitted to accept any donations if they are not for these purposes. At least 50% of SFOU membership fees will be allocated to a special scholarship fund for Swiss residents studying at the University of Oxford. The rest of the fees will assist with the administration costs of the Association. The Association’s board and administration operate from Zug. There will be regular meetings and events for SFOU members and guests in Switzerland.
