We (Em)Power on

    This name reflects our dual mission to power on by advancing the industry and to “empower” individuals through education and opportunity. This campaign is rooted in the core values of EHL and hospitality itself: care, progress, and collective success.

    By establishing a 50 million CHF endowment, we are not just funding education, we are making a statement of enduring commitment to nurturing the future of hospitality. Through your support, we can expand access to education, foster innovation, and address pressing global challenges. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Here are the three pillars of our philanthropic efforts, illustrating how your generosity drives meaningful change.

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    (Em)Power Students

    Opportunities should be accessible to all.

    We provide scholarships and support to help passionate students learn, grow, and build the future of hospitality.

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    (Em)Power Thinkers

    Knowledge has the power to transform industries.

    We support researchers who unlock new possibilities, inspire progress, and create solutions that elevate hospitality.

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    (Em)Power Creators

    Visionaries turn ideas into reality.

    We promote pioneers to create, build and lead innovation that shapes the advancement of hospitality.

    Give today, shape tomorrow!

    Donate to the (Em)Power on Campaign for:

    • Students: Support the next generation of leaders.
    • Thinkers: Fuel the research that drives progress.  
    • Creators: Help bring bold ideas to life.
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    2024 – A Record-Breaking Year of Impact

    Thank You to all of you who donated and supported our efforts in 2024! Your generosity and support for our philanthropic mission made 2024 our most prolific fundraising year in the 130-year history of EHL.

    This year marked a historic milestone for EHL’s philanthropic efforts — our most successful year of fundraising. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we achieved unprecedented results, surpassing previous donation records and expanding our impact like never before.

    The 2024 Impact Report highlights the tangible outcomes of this remarkable year, demonstrating how philanthropy continues to transform lives and strengthen the EHL community.

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    EHL's Legacy:
    Endowment Ensures Sustainable Excellence

    At EHL, we believe in creating opportunities that last for generations. That’s why we’ve established an endowment fund an approach used by top universities worldwide, to provide stable, ongoing financial support for students, research, and strategic impact.

    "As we look ahead to the next 130 years, our goal isn’t just to meet immediate needs but to sustain our excellence," says Dr. David Knuff, Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer. "By donating to the EHL Endowment, you create a perpetual cycle of positive impacts, transforming lives and making the world a better place."

    Unlike a one-time donation that is eventually spent, an endowment fund preserves its principal while generating annual returns of 4-5%. A 1 million CHF endowment, for example, could provide 40,000-50,000 CHF in scholarships each year forever. By reinvesting a portion of these returns, the fund grows over time, amplifying its impact.

    This sustainable funding model ensures that EHL can continue attracting top talent, supporting innovation, and shaping the future of hospitality education, no matter what challenges lie ahead. "Your generosity is more than a gift," Knuff emphasizes. "It’s an investment in the future of EHL and the students we serve."

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    Dr. David Knuff
    Chief Strategic Partnerships Officer

    Why Philanthropy Matters at EHL

    Philanthropy strengthens EHL’s mission by opening doors for talented students and advancing research and innovation. As Dr. Carole Ackermann, President of the EHL Board of Trustees and President of the Board of Directors explains, gifts help create a stable foundation for long term impact, from scholarships to strategic initiatives that move hospitality forward.

     

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    Why Donate to EHL?
    A Partnership for the Future

    Supporting EHL’s philanthropic efforts is not about giving money to EHL, it’s about shaping the future of hospitality and giving back to the industry and society. It’s about being part of something bigger than any one institution: a movement that nurtures talent, drives innovation, and builds a legacy of excellence that extends far beyond the classroom.

    As alumni and industry leaders, you’ve already made your mark. Your success is proof of the transformative power of an EHL education. Now, philanthropy offers an opportunity to pay that impact forward, not as a transaction, but as an investment in the next generation.

    Whether by mentoring students, funding research, or supporting scholarships, your contributions help ensure that future leaders have the same opportunities to thrive, innovate, and elevate the industry.

    This is about partnership, not obligation. It’s about creating a lasting difference, together.

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    Let's empower the Future of Hospitality Together

    Testimonials:
    Our Impact in Action