Annual Review 2025: What Moved Us
2025 was a year of significant change in fundraising for Corris. In addition to running event-based campaigns, our focus was particularly on testing new digital payment methods.
Main Sponsorship of SwissFundraisingDay
Once again this year, we supported the Swiss Fundraising Day organised by the Swiss Fundraising Association as the main sponsor at the Kursaal in Bern. To mark our 30th anniversary, we came up with something special: refreshing mocktails were served at the Corris stand, organised in collaboration with Blue Cross Bern. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for the many inspiring conversations and the valuable personal exchanges with our clients at the stand.
The Anniversary Celebration
Turning 30 is not something that happens every year. That’s why in 2025 we took the opportunity to celebrate our anniversary with a large event at our premises on Hardturmstrasse in Zurich. Clients, partners, service providers and employees from near and far were invited to celebrate this milestone with us. At the end of August, we enjoyed a truly wonderful celebration. Further impressions can be found in our blog article “30 Years of Corris – Three Decades of F2F Fundraising in Switzerland”.
Digital Payment Providers and Recurring Donations with TWINT
At the end of 2028, LSV+ will be replaced by a new system, eBill Direct Debit. Clients planning to start F2F campaigns in 2026 will no longer receive an LSV+ identification number and will therefore not be able to offer direct debit payments at information stands.
Together with several NPOs, we tested TWINT Recurring as a new payment method. The exciting and successful pilot with Amnesty International was presented at an ERFA meeting organised by the Swiss Fundraising Association in September.
The results paint a clear picture: for both recurring and one-off donations, various digital payment methods such as credit cards and TWINT Recurring are well suited. TWINT is now so widely used that there was hardly any rejection in campaigns due to lack of familiarity. At the same time, it became evident that cancellations can be made very easily and in a user-friendly way via the apps. This highlights how important it is to clearly explain the value of regular donations during direct dialogue and to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
Events: Amnesty International & UNICEF
In addition to our regular campaigns, we had the opportunity to realise two special events in 2025. In the same week (calendar week 50), two exceptional initiatives took place with Amnesty International and UNICEF Switzerland.
Amnesty International – Candle Campaign
We share a long-standing and valued partnership with Amnesty International. To mark International Human Rights Day on 10 December 2025, we jointly implemented a campaign that deliberately went beyond a classic information-stand format: the so-called Candle Campaign. Under the slogan “Light up for Freedom”, selected dialogue fundraisers distributed around 5,000 beeswax rolled candles to passers-by in German- and French-speaking Switzerland. The campaign was logistically and organisationally demanding, yet highly effective. Impressions can be found in our blog article “Standing Up for Human Rights: Amnesty International and Corris on the Road Together”.
UNICEF Campaign
During the same week, we also delivered a high-visibility event for UNICEF Switzerland. A large stand featuring roll-ups, an exhibition wall, information stands, beach flags and a wheel of fortune was set up at an event space in Bern railway station. Three experienced dialogue fundraisers were on site, inviting passers-by to spin the wheel of fortune. A particular highlight was the visit of UNICEF ambassador Stefanie Heinzmann, who personally stopped by the stand on one of the campaign days to support the initiative. You can find more information in the blog article “UNICEF Event Presence at Bern Main Station”.
A Year Full of Learning
Overall, 2025 was a year rich in new insights, challenges and changes within the NGO sector. The withdrawal of support from USAID, budget cuts at SDC, shifting donation willingness and changing donor behaviour have had a noticeable impact on the entire fundraising industry.
As Switzerland’s largest fundraising agency, we are actively addressing these challenges. In 2026, we will invest even more strongly in testing, innovation and new products to be well prepared for the changes ahead.
Strong Sense of Togetherness
Despite all the changes and uncertainties, one key element remains constant: the strong sense of solidarity within the NGO and fundraising community. Looking at 2025 and the years before, Switzerland continues to show a positive overall picture. The sector is well connected, collaborative and mutually supportive. For the years ahead, we hope this spirit of partnership will continue and we look forward to tackling future challenges together.
