Dedicated to assisting those in need in the Swiss community of greater Washington, DC and Helvetia, WV

Swiss Benevolent Society of Washington DC logo

Who we are

The Swiss Benevolent Society of Washington DC is a charitable organization dedicated to assisting those in need in the Swiss community of greater Washington, DC and Helvetia, WV. Founded in 1865, the SBS supports the health, education and welfare of the most vulnerable in our population, ensuring that people of recent Swiss heritage in this area can thrive.

Learn more about who we are and how it all started.

What we do

The Swiss Benevolent Society has been providing support to the Swiss community in and around Washington, DC for over 150 years through financial aid to those in need, in home visits for the elderly and home bound, and by awarding scholarships to students in need of financial assistance.

 
Money exchanging hands

Financial Aid

Direct financial aid is extended to Swiss who are in need of assistance. Financial aid is given in the areas of health and temporary welfare.

If you know of someone who is in need of help, we ask that you contact SBS at assistance@sbsofdc.org.

Woman holding hand of elderly woman while talking to her

In Home Visits

The SBS monitors elderly Swiss in the area who may be ill or isolated and would benefit from our attention. The trustees of the SBS, along with other volunteers, visit them at their home, bring them gifts and the most precious gift of all, the gift of time and personal contact.

If you know of someone who would benefit from a visit, we ask that you contact SBS at assistance@sbsofdc.org.

Young woman graduating

Scholarship Programs

The Swiss Benevolent Society of Washington DC annually awards several scholarship in amounts of up to $2000. Assistance is given to qualified applicants for post high school education in any field of endeavor of formal educational instruction, including vocational school, at any domestic or foreign institution.

how You can help

Donations

Please consider making a tax-deductible monetary contribution.

Donate

Volunteer

Consider donating some of your time and brighten up someone’s day as you visit a person in need.

If you would like to become a volunteer, please contact SBS.

volunteer@sbsofdc.org

What People Say

  • “The Swiss Benevolence Society has provided us with opportunities that we could have never achieved by ourselves; with all of their help we have been able to start our college career and afford housing here. They've been an invaluable support to our family, not just financially but also at a personal level. We are immensely grateful.”

  • “A scholarship from the Swiss Benevolent Society helped me pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian! Their support was important as studying for my degree did not leave much spare time and tuition is very high. I appreciate their support of my education and my goals!”

  • “I so appreciate the visits from SBS members as I live alone. It is good to have fellow Swiss visit me and we can reminisce about the Heimat. It helped me especially during the pandemic. I also appreciate their help with food and groceries.”

 


“The SBS is part of a robust and active local Swiss community.”

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Contact Us

Feel free to contact us with any questions.