Cevi Switzerland

What Cevi Switzerland does

Cevi Switzerland (formally Schweizer Verband der Christlichen Vereine Junger Frauen und Männer, operating as Unions Chrétiennes Suisses / Cevi Schweiz) is a ZEWO-certified non-profit youth association and the third-largest youth organization in Switzerland. The federation was formed in 1998 through the merger of the Swiss UCJG/CVJM, UCJF/CVJF, and French-speaking FRUC and UCF associations, with roots in the Swiss unionist movement dating to 1887 and the global YMCA/YWCA movement established in 1855. Cevi serves approximately 13,000 members — primarily children and youth aged 4 and up — through age-segmented programs (Fröschli for ages 4-7, Jungschar/cadet groups for ages 7+, TenSing music, Cevi Alpin outdoor activities), delivered across 7 regional associations, 5 working sections (Cevi Alpin, CeviMil, CVJM Hasliberg, Horyzon, Perspektive Leben), and 200+ local chapters, supported by a 10-person secretariat in Zurich and a 99% volunteer workforce.

The organization's core technology stack consists of CeviDB (a Swiss-hosted member database managing profiles, qualifications, event participation, and emergency contacts across federation, regions, and local chapters), the Cevi-Map interactive locator, Microsoft SharePoint for internal data storage, Google Forms/Drive for form processing, Mailchimp for email newsletters, and WhatsApp channels for member communications. Member-facing digital surfaces include the multilingual cevi.ch website, a blog, and a photo competition (#wirsindcevi). The organization also operates the Alpenblick group house in Wengen (up to 55 persons, net-positive solar generation) and delivers training under the federal Youth+Sport (J+S) framework.

Cevi's revenue model is multi-stream and non-commercial: recurring membership fees from ~13,000 members, individual and legacy donations (ZEWO-certified IBAN), institutional grants from foundations (Paul Schiller Stiftung, IdéeSport Foundation) and churches, course and camp fees from 80+ training courses and ~300 camps annually, Alpenblick rental income, corporate sponsorship via buy'n'help and hajk (Scout & Sport AG) merchandise partnerships, and J+S federal program co-funding. Distribution is primarily direct via the federated regional/local chapter network, supplemented by digital onboarding through Cevi-Map and the website. The organization holds ZEWO certification (since 2002, six of seven regions individually certified), Swiss Olympic membership, and dual affiliation with World YMCA and World YWCA.

Name

Cevi Switzerland

Legal name

Schweizer Verband der Christlichen Vereine Junger Frauen und Männer (Cevi Schweiz)

Website

https://cevi.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cevi Switzerland is the third-largest youth organization in Switzerland, delivering volunteer-led programs (Fröschli, Jungschar, TenSing, Cevi Alpin) to approximately 13,000 members across 200+ local associations via a ZEWO-certified non-profit federation tied to the global YMCA/YWCA movement.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Services

NAICS

Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813), Educational Support Services (61171), Other Schools and Instruction (6116)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Life Skills & SEL Camps (Confidence, Executive Function, Social Skills) (EDAMALAO)

Keywords

• Youth association
• Youth development programs
• Outdoor youth activities
• Volunteer-led organization
• Member-based association

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The organization receives donations from individuals and institutional supporters. ZEWO-certified since 2002 as a charitable organization. IBAN CH23 8080 8002 2706 7598 8 for donations.
2. Membership Fees: Revenue from membership fees across 7 regional associations and over 200 local associations, with approximately 13,000 members.
3. Training Courses and Camps: Revenue from organizing over 80 training courses and approximately 300 camps annually. Collaborates with Youth+Sport (J+S) federal program.
4. Alpenblick Group House Rentals: Rental income from the Alpenblick group house in Wengen, accommodating groups up to 55 persons. Managed by 'Immeubles des UCS' Sàrl.
5. Sponsoring and Institutional Support: Partnerships with foundations, churches, and corporate sponsors. Multiple foundations support the organization including Paul Schiller Stiftung (Kindeswohl project).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Cevi Switzerland is a non-profit youth organization that delivers age-segmented programs for children and youth, including Fröschli for ages 4–7, Jungschar for ages 7+, TenSing music performance, and Cevi Alpin mountain activities. It operates leadership training courses and approximately 300 camps annually in collaboration with the federal Youth+Sport (J+S) program, and supports a national membership of approximately 13,000 across 7 regional associations and over 200 local chapters.

Product overview

Cevi Switzerland is a youth organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services for children, youth, and young adults. The core offering includes age-specific programs: Fröschli for ages 4-7, Jungschar for children 7+, and specialized programs like TenSing (music/theater) and Cevi Alpin (mountain activities). The organization operates the CeviDB member database for management of approximately 13,000 members across 200+ local associations. Facilities include the Alpenblick group house in Wengen. Training is delivered through Youth+Sport (J+S) certified programs. The organization is structured with 7 regional associations and 5 working sections, connected via the Cevi-Map platform for finding local groups.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cevi Alpin: Mountain and outdoor activities including ski tours, snowboarding, climbing, and hiking tours for women, men, young people and children
• Service Militaire Unioniste (CeviMil)
• TenSing
• Fröschli (Grenouilles)
• Jungschar (Jeunesse chrétienne/Cadets)
• Horyzon
• Perspektive Leben
• Alpenblick
• Conveniat27

Products and services

• Fröschli Youth program for children aged 4–7 (kindergarten age). Children meet once or twice monthly for age-appropriate activities either indoors or in forests, designed to socialize children and provide an entry point into the broader Cevi organization.
• Jungschar (Cadet / Jeunesse chrétienne) Youth group program for children from age 7, offering diverse activities including games, rope skills, crafts, map exercises, theater, biblical stories, cooking, camping, outdoor experiences, and music. Programs are adapted to children's age and needs, often divided by gender.
• Cevi Alpin Mountain activity program offering ski and snowboard tours, climbing, and alpine tours for women, men, youth, and children, including training weekends.
• TenSing Music and performance program where young people are trained as singers, rappers, actors, or presenters, delivered through the regional associations.
• Youth+Sport (J+S) Training Programs Training and continuing education programs for youth leaders developed in collaboration with Youth+Sport (J+S) and other partner organizations. Includes camp sports/trekking programs with water safety modules, BLS-AED training, and specialized safety modules.
• Service Militaire Unioniste (CeviMil) Military welfare service existing since 1913 that provides religious support, clothing assistance, and activities within barracks for army members.
• Horyzon Swiss development aid organization for youth, founded 1969 and based in Olten, part of worldwide YMCA/YWCA organizations. Works with young people in Colombia, Haiti, Palestine, Uganda, Togo, and Nepal to improve living conditions through education and health support.
• Perspektive Leben Vacation weeks and seminars for Christian communities, continuing the works of 55plus and THEATERplus.
• Alpenblick Group House Group accommodation facility in Wengen, Bernese Oberland, suitable for groups up to 55 persons. Features a self-catering kitchen, rooms with 2–6 beds, dining rooms totaling 60 seats, and common areas; the facility produces more electricity than it consumes via 100 m² of solar panels. Managed by Immeubles des UCS Sàrl.
• Cevi-Map Interactive map application that allows users to find local Cevi groups, view contact information, and discover available programs in their area.
• Cevi-Tag Annual national event day for the Cevi Switzerland organization, serving as a periodic gathering for members nationwide.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13,000 members benefit from youth development programs annually
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• ZEWOcoreOthers · 1 January 2002ZEWO is the Swiss seal of approval for charitable organisations. Cevi Switzerland has been ZEWO certified since 2002, demonstrating transparent fund management, proper use of donations, and accountability to the public.
• Swiss OlympiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCevi Switzerland is an official member of Swiss Olympic, the Swiss Olympic Committee. This provides recognition and connection to the broader Swiss sports ecosystem.
• hajk (formerly Scout & Sport AG)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributorhajk operates the Cevi online shop offering unionist merchandise and articles. Available at hajk.ch and directly at cadet.ch for French-speaking regions.
• kojuminorStrategic or Co-development Partnerkoju (Conference of Youth Officers of the Evangelical-Reformed Churches of German-Switzerland) supports Cevi Switzerland.
• buy'n'helpminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorShopping platform where users can donate a portion of their purchases to support Cevi Switzerland.
• LimitamajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpecialized service (Fachstelle) providing expertise in prevention of sexual exploitation. Supports development of protection concepts and training for Cevi.
• ZHAWminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZurich University of Applied Sciences. Cevi Switzerland is an internship partner for Health Promotion and Prevention students.
• Youth+Sport (J+S)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal sports promotion program. Cevi organizes courses and camps under J+S framework, with training aligned to J+S standards for Camp Sports/Trekking.
• Scout & Sport AG (Hajk)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCompany handling Cevi merchandise, camp logistics, and equipment supplies for Cevi organizations.
• World YMCAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCevi Switzerland is a member of the World Alliance of YMCAs, with over 120 national associations and 40 million members. Headquarters in Geneva.
• World YWCAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCevi Switzerland is a member of the World YWCA Alliance, with 25 million young women and girls in 120+ countries. Headquarters in Geneva.
• YMCA EuropemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean regional alliance of YMCAs. Cevi participates in periodic meetings and implements international decisions in Switzerland.
• European YWCAmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean regional alliance of YWCAs. Cevi participates in European network activities and exchanges.
• Horyzon FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss development aid organization for youth, founded 1969, based in Olten. Part of the YMCA/YWCA world movement. Works with youth in Colombia, Haiti, Palestine, Uganda, Togo, and Nepal.
• Federal Office for Sport (BASPO)majorOthersSwiss federal office managing the Youth+Sport (J+S) program. Cevi coordinates training courses and camps through BASPO's J+S framework.
• SLRG (Swiss Lifesaving Society)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSwiss Swimming and Lifesaving Society. Cevi follows SLRG guidelines for water activities, including pool, lake, and river modules for camp safety.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Regional players

• YMCA Europe: European regional alliance of YMCA federations. Comparable as a regional network actor coordinating youth programming, exchanges, and policy across Europe, of which Cevi is a participating member.
• Schweizerisches Rotes Kreuz Jugend (Swiss Red Cross Youth): Swiss Red Cross youth programs offering humanitarian-focused youth engagement. Comparable as a Swiss youth-organization peer with structured programs, though the humanitarian framing differs from Cevi's faith/outdoor orientation.

Direct peers

• Pro Juventute: Major Swiss youth welfare organization offering programs, advice, and child-protection services. Comparable in Swiss youth-services delivery, although the focus is broader welfare beyond Cevi's group-program model.
• Pfadi Schweiz (Swiss Scouts): Switzerland's national scout association is the largest Swiss youth organization and the closest direct peer. Both deliver age-segmented outdoor youth programs, run camps, and operate a federated model of regional and local chapters across Switzerland.
• Horyzon (Foundation): Swiss development aid foundation for youth, founded 1969, affiliated with the YMCA/YWCA movement. Directly comparable as Cevi-associated international youth-development work in Colombia, Haiti, Palestine, Uganda, Togo, and Nepal.
• Jungwacht Blauring Schweiz: Catholic-affiliated Swiss youth organization offering Jungschar-style group programs, camps, and leader training. Direct peer with similar age segmentation, federated structure, and faith-based roots, though Catholic rather than ecumenical.

Broad incumbents

• Swiss Olympic (Jugend+Sport): Swiss Olympic Committee and federal youth sport umbrella. Cevi partners with its J+S program; comparable as a core national youth-sports infrastructure provider with which Cevi aligns training and camps.
• World YMCA: Global federation of which Cevi Schweiz is a member. Directly comparable as the parent movement delivering youth leadership, community programs, and outdoor activities across 120+ national associations.
• World YWCA: Global women's and girls' YWCA movement, of which Cevi Schweiz is a national member. Comparable mission in youth empowerment, gender-focused programming, and international network support.

Emerging players

• Kinderschutz Schweiz (Swiss Society for the Protection of Children): Swiss child-welfare and protection organization. Comparable to Cevi's Kindeswohl project because it overlaps in child-protection training, prevention, and safeguarding standards for youth organizations.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cevischweiz

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Cevi Switzerland