Project
competition
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Submit project ideas
Schools and organisations with a project idea can apply from now on. To apply, please email the project proposal together with the required attachments.
The deadline for applications is 23 October 2026.
“Ideas become projects. We support dedicated organisations in bringing their projects to fruition. We are looking for project ideas that strengthen education, empower children and young people, and highlight global interconnections.”
2026 edition
The competition is open to all schools, as well as small NGOs, associations or other legally established organisations with a social or charitable purpose in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Young people aged between 6 and 25 should be involved in the conception, development or implementation of the project.
We are looking for project ideas, as well as existing or previously implemented projects that are to be continued – ranging from one-off activities with a lasting impact to regular or long-term ongoing projects.
The projects should benefit children and young people from Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein. The aim is to improve the provision of, and access to, inclusive, equitable and high-quality education in order to empower young people for a diverse, democratic and globally interconnected world, and to promote peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. (SDG 4)
One or more of the following topics may be selected:
- Understanding global interdependencies, interrelationships and power dynamics
- Climate education / Greening Education / Sustainability
- Peace, conflicts, migration and global crises
- Gender roles, gender, equality and intersectional perspectives
- Racism, colonialism and global justice
The evaluation will assess the impact, innovation, feasibility, sustainability and growth potential of the project ideas.
The projects are to be implemented between 1 January 2027 and 31 December 2027.
- Financial support: The four best ideas will receive financial support of between 5,000 and 20,000 CHF to help bring them to fruition.
- Visibility and recognition: As participants in the ‘Pestalozzi Next Generation’ project competition, your idea will be given visibility: the best ideas will be featured on our website.
- Networking and support: Promising and innovative initiatives may receive long-term support and guidance from the Pestalozzi Children's Foundation.
Interested organisations and schools can submit their applications online. To apply, please send the project proposal, together with the required attachments, to the email address below.
The deadline for applications is 23 October 2026.
Submissions are open until 23 October 2026. Applicants will receive a response by the end of November. Winning projects can begin on 1 January 2027.
Do you have any questions about the project competition? The team will be happy to provide further information via the email address below.
