Pro Helvetia promotes literature from Switzerland, with a focus on diversity as well as on national and international appeal. It supports projects that serve the creation of literary works, that enhance audience awareness of Swiss literature, that contribute to cultural exchange within Switzerland, or that disseminate Swiss literature abroad. As a national institution, Pro Helvetia supplements the promotional activities of Swiss cantons and municipalities. It supports only literary works and projects of nationally (i.e. not just regionally) recognised cultural practitioners or cultural institutions, except in the case of aspiring young practitioners.

The Literature and Society division also makes financial contributions to cultural projects focusing on social policy issues and providing new cultural stimulus, as well as projects that enhance understanding between different regional, linguistic and cultural communities in Switzerland.

Funding can be awarded for

• work grants for authors
• translation grants
• grants for publications
• literary events
• art and audience projects
• promotion of aspiring artists
• knowledge exchange
• exhibitions and events on topics of everyday and folk culture in Switzerland
• book distribution and book exhibitions

Funding cannot be awarded for

• the publication of works of fiction in German or French
• self-publication of books or publication against payment
• reprints, books in print or books already published
• works of reference, specialist books, scholarly publications and events, honorary and anniversary publications
• adaptations (radio plays, dramatisations, works put to music)
• scenic readings
• promotional tours organised by publishers
• projects dealing with cultural heritage

Projects dealing with cultural heritage and historical monuments or conservation measures are the responsibility of the cantonal authorities of the Historical Monuments section of the Federal Office of Culture.

You can find more detailed information in the Guide for Applicants.

Pro Helvetia accepts applications exclusively via www.myprohelvetia.ch. Exceptions are made on request only.