A new movement is taking shape in Switzerland to encourage a deeper culture of generosity, aiming to inspire Christians and communities to see giving not as an occasional act but as a lifestyle rooted in faith and service.
The initiative, called Generosity, was launched this month as a working group of the Swiss Evangelical Alliance (SEA). Its organizers envision a nationwide movement that broadens the meaning of generosity beyond financial donations to include time, energy, and acts of compassion.
“Generosity should not only be understood as a virtue, but practiced as a natural part of lifestyle,” said initiative leaders Peter Wilburg and Ruben Meier. They stressed that participation in the movement is not dependent on financial means but on cultivating an openhearted posture that reflects the example of Jesus Christ.
A tradition of giving, but room for growth
Switzerland has a longstanding tradition of charitable giving and voluntary service. According to recent figures, households donate on average just under 30 Swiss francs ($33) per month to private organizations, and more than 600 million hours of volunteer work are recorded annually.
Despite these strong foundations, organizers of Generosity say the country has yet to develop a pervasive culture of generosity that transforms mindsets and communities. “Our goal is a deep change in mindset,” the leaders said in their announcement, pointing to a vision where generosity becomes second nature for families, churches, businesses, and individuals.
The Journey of Generosity
Central to the initiative is the “Journey of Generosity” (JOG), an interactive seminar developed through a long-standing partnership between Swiss organizers, Generosity Path, and the Trustbridge Global Foundation.
For more than seven years, this partnership has introduced several hundred participants across Switzerland to the transformative power of living generously. Through daylong or weekend sessions — or a series of shorter gatherings over four weeks — the program helps attendees explore biblical perspectives on generosity and discover practical ways to live them out.
The seminars are designed to avoid fundraising appeals or promotional pitches. Instead, they focus on reflection, discussion, and community learning. Participants are encouraged to consider not only how they give financially but also how they use their time, skills, and relationships to bless others.
Building a movement across society
The Generosity working group intends to extend these efforts by creating a sustainable nationwide movement. Its goals include building strategic partnerships between large and small donors, strengthening collaborations among churches, businesses, and social services, and equipping a network of “Generosity Ambassadors” who will carry the message into their communities.
Business leaders are encouraged to model generosity within their professional networks, while churches are invited to integrate the Journey of Generosity into leadership training and discipleship programs. Christian ministries will focus on identifying and addressing local social needs in coordinated ways.
The initiative emphasizes that generosity is not defined by the size of one’s resources but by a posture of openness and trust in God’s provision. “We dream of a world where generosity heals, connects, and gives hope,” the vision statement reads.
Overcoming barriers to giving
The organizers acknowledge that many people want to give but feel overwhelmed by constant donation requests or struggle with guilt about not doing enough. To address this, the initiative promotes the development of a personal “Generosity Plan,” a practical tool to help individuals and families prayerfully consider how, what, and with whom they will give.
Such planning, leaders say, allows people to give in freedom and peace rather than under pressure, aligning their generosity with their faith and circumstances.
Behind the initiative is a belief that generosity has the power to make God’s kingdom visible in tangible ways. The SEA, which supports the movement, describes it as an opportunity to strengthen Christian unity and demonstrate God’s love to society at large.
The vision extends beyond Switzerland, with hopes that individuals, families, networks, and organizations will model a lifestyle of generosity that inspires others across borders.
“Generosity is not just about money,” said Wilburg and Meier. “It is about how we live our lives in relationship to God and one another.”
More information about the initiative is available at generosity.ch.
