A legacy
OUR JOURNEY
Laying the
Foundation.
In 1964, we founded Fondation d’Harcourt in Geneva, Switzerland, with a mission to support people in vulnerable situations across Europe through financial aid. Over the next four decades, experience taught us that financial aid alone isn’t enough – poverty and mental health are intrinsically connected. Hardship fuels distress, and unaddressed struggles keep people trapped in poverty. True change starts with well-being.
A Pioneering
Shift in Focus.
Mental health knows no boundaries – it affects everyone, everywhere, regardless of their circumstances. Yet, despite its profound impact, mental health has remained one of the most underfunded and overlooked areas in global health. In 2006, driven by these findings and inspired by our personal experiences and the stories of those who’d touched our lives, we shifted our focus, placing mental health at the heart of our mission.
Building partnerships
and learning
together.
Alongside local partners, international NGOs and UN agencies, the Foundation aimed to improve the lives of people with mental health conditions and their families. Our holistic approach focused on promoting the psychosocial well-being of groups in vulnerable situations, ensuring access to mental health services, and empowering individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. What began as a learning journey became a true collaboration, transforming partners into key drivers of change and strengthening our collective impact.
• OUR JOURNEY
• OUR JOURNEY
• OUR JOURNEY
15
•
COUNTRIES
37
•
PROJECTS
31
•
PARTNERS
A Renewed
Commitment to
Mental Health.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical weaknesses in mental health care systems worldwide as stress, isolation and uncertainty affected people across all socio-economic backgrounds. The crisis exposed critical gaps in care and support systems and underscored the urgent need for increased resources, sustained commitment and stronger global collaboration to make mental health a priority. In response to these growing challenges, Fondation d’Harcourt reaffirmed its commitment to improving the well-being of individuals living with mental health conditions and their families, ensuring access to quality, inclusive care and driving cultural change to prioritise mental health worldwide
