Foundation for the Third Millennium foundation is committed to sustainability. They support projects which promote environmental protection and health, social justice and economic independence in balanced proportions.
In order to assure reliable project oversight and adequate support, we must be able to maintain a constructive relationship with the project managers and their organization. Thus we give preference to organizations based in Switzerland and in neighboring European countries.
Financial support for projects must be widely-based and secured for the project's duration. At least half the project’s budget must be contributed by third parties.
The following criteria are imperative requirements for consideration of an application:
All projects must be sustainable in that they combine ecological, social, and economic aspects and promote them simultaneously and in a balanced way:
Long-term environmental: materials are used in closed cycles. Soil and water quality and availability are improved. Native biotopes increase, and biodiversity is promoted.
Socially just: The target population is actively involved in the project. The goals are personal independence, self-determination, and individual responsibility. Human and civil rights are respected, and conflicts are resolved without violence.
Economic independence: Economic conditions are improved by creating new or additional environmentally sustainable jobs and businesses. This requires local education, for example “training of trainers” or “from poacher to game preserver”, so that new cells using these models can be formed. The population becomes economically independent and has access to markets.
Sustainability is implemented practically and tangibly and is measureable.
Awareness of the connection between individual behavior and the environment is promoted.
The project not only solves acute problems but also investigates their causes and develops preventive measures.
The local situation improves.
We know the project partners, and their competence is proven.
In every part of the project, sustained dialogue is nurtured. Open cooperation promotes uncomplicated personal contact, which leads to relationships based on mutual trust.
Projects which fulfill the following criteria comprehensively in addition to the criteria listed above will be given preference:
Other interested parties are shown the advantages of a sustainable lifestyle and are given examples for implementation (Multiplication).
The project raises public awareness and thus improves the climate for producing systems change via policy-making or lawgiving.
Project participants contribute however they can to the project. They do this financially, materially, through infrastructure or whatever other means they have available.
The Foundation does not support:
Projects that are the responsibility of government or the public sector
Scholarships and grants
Meetings, workshops, conferences, events and travel costs
Theatrical productions, musicals, art
Publication costs
Projects that require indefinite commitment
Infrastructure projects
Operating costs per se
Research projects per se
Educational materials
Purely commercial projects