In 2025, the Julius Baer Foundation marks 60 years since its founding. Established by Walter J. Bär (1895-1970) in 1965 to mark the Bank’s 75^th anniversary, the Foundation began by supporting culture, arts, and science – reflecting the family’s values and long-standing engagement with societal progress. Over time, the Foundation evolved to a strategic philanthropic approach. Today, the Foundation’s mission focuses on reducing wealth inequality and creating equal opportunities.

Wealth inequality is a multi-faceted issue, shaped by interconnected factors that amplify one another. Limited access to quality education, inadequate healthcare, or poor housing – just to mention a few – constrain people’s life chances and reinforce disadvantage over time. These disparities affect individuals and society alike, contributing to social instability and a lack of trust. By contrast, more equitable societies tend to experience stronger institutions and greater cohesion.

Given the scale of the challenge, the Foundation works in two ways: by supporting innovative projects with direct impact, and by serving as a convener that brings together actors across the wealth spectrum. The aim is to align financial and social capital to support fairer, more inclusive societies. This work is made possible through collaboration with partners – implementing NGOs but also other foundations and stakeholders who contribute from their respective roles, capacities and perspectives, and who support this agenda through joint funding engagements.

As part of this ongoing work – and in light of the Foundation’s 60^th anniversary – these new initiatives may also be of interest to others in the field:

• The “60 Facts on Wealth Inequality” series offers data-driven insights into different dimensions of inequality. The first sets explore the global landscape and the gender wealth gap, aiming to make complex issues more accessible. The next edition will focus on climate and wealth inequality, with more topics to follow. 60 facts on wealth inequality – global view | Wealth Inequality Initiative
• In December 2025, the Foundation will co-host the international conference “The Future of Social Mobility” in Santiago de Chile, together with the Center for Social Conflict and Cohesion Studies (COES). The event will bring together researchers, practitioners, and funders to explore what enables or constrains upward mobility – and the role philanthropy can play. The Future of Social Mobility International Conference – News #2 | Wealth Inequality Initiative
• For more on the Foundation’s approach and current work, we invite you to watch the anniversary video or browse the 2024 Annual Report, which includes reflections on past learnings and how we work with others to increase impact. You can also follow the ongoing work through the Wealth Inequality Initiative – a platform where we share insights and stories around tacking wealth inequality.

Sixty years on, the Foundation continues to see itself as part of a wider field – one that learns, adapts, and collaborates. This moment offers an opportunity not just to look back, but to connect, share, and explore new ways forward. If you are working on similar challenges or see potential for collaboration, we would be glad to hear from you.
foundation@juliusbaer.com Tel: +41 (0)58 888 4422

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