Liechtenstein once again best location for philanthropic engagement
In first place worldwide: Liechtenstein can thus maintain its top position, which it first achieved with the GPEI 2022.
The Principality of Liechtenstein is once again the world’s best location for charitable foundations and philanthropic engagement in 2025. This is the result of the Global Philanthropy Environment Index (GPEI) 2025, which has now been published by the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Liechtenstein can thus maintain its top position, which it first achieved with the GPEI 2022.
Together with 173 country experts, the researchers from Indiana University determined the framework conditions that founders and philanthropists find for their activities in 95 countries, 4 more than in 2022. The experts from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy examined the legal, economic and socio-cultural environment as well as the question of how easy it is for foundations and philanthropists to get involved both in their own country and internationally. The aim of the study, which is conducted every three years, is to describe and improve the environment for philanthropic engagement. Ratings between 1 and 5 are awarded in six categories. Liechtenstein achieved the world’s best average score of 4.92, putting it ahead of Switzerland (4.88), the Netherlands (4.84), Belgium (4.78), Germany (4.74), Denmark (4.67), Singapore (4.61) and Sweden (4.54). The average of all 95 countries surveyed is 3.60.
Dr. Thomas Zwiefelhofer, President of the Association of Liechtenstein Charitable Foundations and Trusts (VLGST), is delighted that Liechtenstein’s top ranking has once again been confirmed: “The index shows the first-class framework conditions that Liechtenstein offers for charitable commitment and also rewards the efforts of the VLGST, which represents the interests of charitable foundations and trusts in Liechtenstein with its 141 members.” VLGST Co-Managing Director Karin Schöb adds: “Competition among foundation locations has increased recently, which has a positive impact on the activities of charitable foundations, but also requires a foundation location to act with foresight in order to keep up. The VLGST is therefore delighted that Liechtenstein continues to be regarded as the world’s best philanthropy location and will work with its members to ensure that this remains the case.”
University of Liechtenstein played a leading role in the study
“From a scientific perspective, it is significant that Liechtenstein is listed in the GPEI for the second time,” explains Prof. Dr. Marc Gottschald, Director of the Center for Philanthropy at the University of Liechtenstein, who supervised the study. “The fact that the largest study of its kind once again sees Liechtenstein at the top of the international rankings is a very important signal for the philanthropy location,” continued Prof. Gottschald. Prof.Dr. Alexandra Butterstein, LL.M. Professor of Company, Foundation and Trust Law, who again worked on the private law section, is also delighted with the result. “This outstanding ranking confirms the optimal legal framework conditions for philanthropic engagement in Liechtenstein.” In addition to the Center for Philanthropy and the Chair of Company, Foundation and Trust Law, the VLGST also helped to determine the initial data. Prof. Gottschald is very satisfied with the cooperation – and with the result. “The efforts of the location to create optimal conditions for philanthropic engagement have paid off,” says Prof. Gottschald.
