Working with a global network of partners, the Leopold Bachmann Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that create social, economic, and environmental value. The foundation focuses its activities on education and vocational training, entrepreneurship, and agroecology. Its vision is to provide people from disadvantaged backgrounds with the opportunity to gain knowledge and develop their skills, empowering them to build self-determined lives and make valuable contributions to their communities and environments. To this end, the foundation supports projects in southern Africa, Southeast Asia, India, South America, as well as agroecology initiatives in Switzerland.

The Märtplatz Foundation is a training institution for young people facing psychological and social challenges. Around 45 individuals are trained in eleven workshops and studios, usually aged between 16 and 25. Vocational training takes place in a protected environment, with subsequent integration into the primary job market. Most trainees are referred by the disability insurance authority, in some cases by the juvenile court or a social services agency. The focus of the training is on the individual – their talents, interests, and abilities: strengths are nurtured, and manual, technical, and professional skills are learned and deepened. The training process takes into account specific difficulties and deficits. In this way, we offer all trainees a personalized education – in manual, creative, culinary, and technical professions. The goal is successful training and sustainable integration into the workforce. The following qualifications are offered: Federal Diploma of Vocational Education and Training (EFZ), Federal Vocational Certificate (EBA), and Practical Training according to INSOS (PrA). The Märtplatz Foundation was established in 1985 and is based in Freienstein, Zurich. The workshops and studios are located on the grounds of a former cotton spinning mill. Two shops are located in Embrach, and one in Rorbas.

Als Kirche besitzen wir einen reichen Schatz an Erfahrungen, Möglichkeiten und Freiwilligen und wollen all dies für das Wohl der Menschen einsetzen. Gleichzeitig sind wir bestrebt, uns als Kirche auch immer wieder neu erfinden. Deshalb fördern wir vielfältige kirchliche Projekte und Angebote für unterschiedlichste Menschen und Lebenswelten.