Supports innovative research for human progress and sustainable development.
The Charles Léopold Mayer Foundation for Human Progress (FPH) is a Swiss foundation established in 1982 to support innovative research and actions contributing to human progress through science and social development. FPH focuses on governance, ethics, and sustainable modes of living. The foundation provides long-term core funding to civil society organizations working on issues covered by its ten programs for 2021-2023. These include ecological economics, resilient Europe, territories in ecological transition, technological democracy, democracy and rule of law, alter-globalist movements, energy and climate, sustainable food systems, and regulation of transnational companies. FPH supports the creation of networks between stakeholders, development of common analyses and proposals, and dissemination of alternative solutions. Most grants range from €20,000 to €100,000, with funding periods typically lasting three years. The foundation evaluates funding requests based on relevance to its guidelines, convincing analysis of the situation, chosen mode of operation, and the applicant's competence and legitimacy. While specific recent projects are not mentioned, FPH provides support to organizations that put forward alternatives and advocate for progress in their respective fields. The foundation's resources come from the estate of Charles Léopold Mayer, a French chemical engineer, investor, and humanist who dedicated his fortune to innovative scientific and humanistic projects.