FAQ : To satisfy your curiosity
The Foundation’s vision is to create a dynamic space in Geneva dedicated to quality information and innovating forms of its diffusion, in service of democratic integrity.
It brings together an ecosystem of complementary actors - media, research, culture, civic engagement, and philanthropy - and transforms La Tour into a place where new practices that strengthen democratic debate can be imagined, tested, and shared. Read more here.The name "en Communs" expresses our intention to bring together multiple knowledge, skills, resources and commitments around a shared vision.
The Foundation’s vision takes shape in successive stages: structuring the ecosystem, transforming La Tour and its building and gradually opening the site to the public. The transformation begins during autumn 2026, never fully closing the site. New residents, projects and actors will join the initiative from August 2026, ahead of a public opening planned for September 2027.
The ecosystem of the Fondation La Tour en Communs brings together different types of complementary actors working for democratic integrity. It includes residents from diverse fields, as well as independent research, community, civic, and technological innovation projects. It also brings together institutional and cultural partners from Geneva and beyond. In line with its public-interest mission, the Fondation La Tour en Communs will not host any for-profit actors.
Confirmed residents include RTS, Le Temps, Heidi.news, the Swiss-Romandy branch of the Media Forward Fund, the University of Geneva’s Media and Philanthropy Initiative, the new think tank Prospera, Swiss Solidarity, the Swiss Press Club, The Conversation, the Certify platform, La Farce, Et Pk pas ?, as well as independent information creators.
The Foundation’s ecosystem is built on a rigorous philanthropic model: a coalition of independent foundations and institutions, free from any particular political, commercial, or editorial interest. This approach offers an alternative to the growing concentration of influence seen elsewhere, while addressing a fundamental challenge: ensuring that philanthropy serves the independence of the project, rather than shaping it. The Foundation’s commitment is to safeguard the conditions for editorial freedom, intellectual autonomy, and long-term public-interest work.
The members of the Foundation Board are Yves Daccord (President), Thomas Dayer, Marc Maugué, and Hiba Qasas.
Over time, the Foundation’s team will grow to around twenty people. It manages the buildings, works closely with residents and project leaders, coordinates programs and activities and oversees the Foundation’s day-to-day operations.
Fondation La Tour en Communs is supported by Fondation Hans Wilsdorf, which acquired the former SSR buildings and granted Fondation La Tour en Communs a free long-term building right derived from its own land rights, in line with its public-interest mission.
The two Foundations work closely with the State of Geneva, represented by the Council of State, which retains ownership of the land and grants a building right free of charge.
Established in 1945, the Fondation Hans Wilsdorf is a private shareholder foundation and the sole owner of the Rolex group. It derives its income from the group’s dividends and operates in accordance with its public-interest mandate.
More broadly, the Fondation Hans Wilsdorf sees its role as that of a patron and, at times, an initiator. The creation of thematic foundations such as the Foundation La Tour en Communs reflects its commitment to addressing challenges of social cohesion, particularly in areas where public and private responses remain fragmented, incomplete, or insufficiently coordinated.
By complementing the existing ecosystem of actors, the Fondation Hans Wilsdorf acts as a catalyst, bringing together, structuring, and amplifying initiatives that might otherwise struggle to emerge or achieve meaningful scale.There are several ways to join the ecosystem, depending on your profile and the type of collaboration: as a resident, partner, or project holder.
To learn more about residency conditions, forms of partnership, associated projects, or to express your interest, you can contact us at contact@latourencommuns.org.
Because we see language as a space for experimentation and reflection, in constant movement. We alternate between feminine, masculine, and neutral forms to encourage plurality, avoid automatic habit and make our choices more intentional. In line with the Foundation’s vision, we explore intermediate forms: spaces of passage, friction, and transition where other practices can emerge. Language is part of that exploration.
If you'd like to join the Foundation and contribute to bringing its vision to life, write to us at contact@latourencommuns.org telling us what motivates you and attaching your CV.
