Sophie is a freelance writer living in Switzerland, balancing the creative freedom of her craft with the administrative rigor of the Swiss system. This hub covers the essential national pillars she relies on, from social security for the self-employed to cultural grants and tax management.
🏥 Staying covered and secure
Essential protection for freelancers who don't have an employer to handle contributions.
Old-age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance
AHV/IV/EO
national · Federal Social Insurance Office
Who qualifies
All residents, including self-employed individuals.
What you get
Basic pension, disability support, and income replacement during military service or maternity.
What it actually costs you
Mandatory contributions based on net income; requires annual tax return filing.
Common gotcha
Freelancers must register with their cantonal compensation fund independently.
26states & territories — open one to see what it offers.
Aargau
Aargau offers a unique blend of proximity to Zurich's creative hubs while providing regional grants and studio residencies that are often less competitive for independent writers.
✍️ Funding my writing projects
Aargauer Kuratorium Werkbeitrag
Werkbeitrag Aargauer Kuratorium
state · Aargauer Kuratorium
Who qualifies
Professional writers with a strong connection to the canton of Aargau.
What you get
Financial grants typically ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 CHF to support the creation of a new literary work.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, CV, and sample of work; high competition.
Common gotcha
The jury focuses heavily on the artistic quality of the project rather than just the author's biography.
As a writer in one of Switzerland's most traditional cantons, you benefit from unique regional cultural grants and a tax environment that rewards independent creative work.
✍️ Support for my writing projects
Kulturförderung Appenzell Innerrhoden
state · Standeskommission
Who qualifies
Professional writers with a clear connection to the canton.
What you get
Project-based financial grants for literature and research.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project budget and manuscript sample; 3-month review time.
Common gotcha
The committee prioritizes works that reflect regional identity or history.
As a writer in Appenzell Ausserrhoden, you benefit from a unique cantonal cultural funding ecosystem that prioritizes local heritage and independent creative output.
✍️ Funding my writing projects
Cantonal Cultural Promotion
Kulturförderung Appenzell Ausserrhoden
state · Amt für Kultur
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in the canton with a specific project.
What you get
Direct financial grants for book projects, research, or translations.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project budget, CV, and sample of work; application deadlines are strictly biannual.
Common gotcha
The committee prioritizes projects with a clear connection to the Appenzell region.
Bern offers unique cultural funding and creative grants that support writers living in the canton, alongside specific tax deductions for freelance artistic work.
✍️ Funding for my writing projects
Cantonal Literary Grants
Literarische Werkbeiträge
state · Kanton Bern, Amt für Kultur
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in the Canton of Bern with a current project.
What you get
Financial grants ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 CHF for project development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, CV, and writing samples; high competition.
Common gotcha
The deadline is strict and usually only once per year.
Published authors looking for time and space to complete a manuscript.
What you get
3-6 months of rent-free studio space and a monthly living allowance.
What it actually costs you
Application portfolio including a motivation letter and publication history.
Common gotcha
You must prove you have a clear plan for what you will write during the residency.
Bernese Cultural Promotion Top-up
Kulturkredit Bern
state · Kanton Bern
Who qualifies
Writers receiving national grants who need additional local funding for publication costs.
What you get
Supplementary funding to cover printing or translation costs for Bern-based projects.
What it actually costs you
Proof of existing grant and a budget breakdown.
Common gotcha
It only covers costs incurred within the canton.
Translation Support for Bernese Authors
Übersetzungsförderung
state · Kanton Bern
Who qualifies
Authors whose works are being translated into another language.
What you get
Grants to pay professional translators for your work.
What it actually costs you
Contract with a publisher and a quote from the translator.
Common gotcha
The translator must be recognized by the professional association.
⚖️ Managing my freelance life
Professional Expense Deduction for Artists
Berufskostenabzug für Kulturschaffende
state · Steuerverwaltung Kanton Bern
Who qualifies
Freelance writers who generate income from their craft.
What you get
Specific flat-rate deductions for home office and research expenses.
What it actually costs you
Must keep an accurate ledger of professional expenses.
Common gotcha
You must prove your writing is a primary or secondary professional activity, not just a hobby.
Social Security Support for Freelancers
AHV-Beitragshilfe
state · Ausgleichskasse des Kantons Bern
Who qualifies
Self-employed writers with fluctuating income.
What you get
Adjustment of mandatory social security contributions based on current income rather than previous years.
What it actually costs you
Annual income declaration.
Common gotcha
Failure to report a drop in income means you keep paying the old, higher rate.
Bern City Library Research Access
Bibliothek Bern Recherche-Service
municipal · Stadtbibliothek Bern
Who qualifies
Registered writers living in the city of Bern.
What you get
Free access to specialized archives and research databases for book projects.
What it actually costs you
Library card fee (nominal).
Common gotcha
Some archives require booking a time slot weeks in advance.
Basel-Landschaft
Basel-Landschaft offers a unique blend of rural inspiration and proximity to the cultural hub of Basel, with specific cantonal support for creative professionals and independent workers.
🎨 Keeping my creative practice alive
Cantonal Cultural Funding (Kulturförderung)
Kulturförderung Basel-Landschaft
state · Bildungs-, Kultur- und Sportdirektion
Who qualifies
Professional writers with a clear connection to the canton of Basel-Landschaft.
What you get
Project-based grants or working stipends for literary development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and portfolio; high competition.
Common gotcha
The board prioritizes projects with a strong regional impact or cultural relevance to the Basel area.
Proof of income, rental contract, and household size documentation.
Common gotcha
Strict income and asset limits apply; assets over a certain threshold disqualify you.
Basel-Stadt
Basel-Stadt offers a unique cultural ecosystem for writers, providing targeted cantonal grants and residency support that are among the most accessible in Switzerland.
✍️ Funding my craft
Literary Grants of the Canton Basel-Stadt
Literarische Werkbeiträge
state · Fachausschuss Literatur beider Basel
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in or having a strong cultural link to Basel-Stadt.
What you get
Financial support ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 CHF for specific writing projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, CV, and sample of work; submitted via annual deadlines.
Common gotcha
The jury is highly competitive; focus on the artistic merit of the specific project rather than general career needs.
Writers already receiving federal project support who need additional local funding.
What you get
Supplementary grants to cover local living expenses during the writing period.
What it actually costs you
Proof of federal grant award and a budget breakdown.
Common gotcha
You must apply for this before the project starts; retroactive funding is rarely granted.
Glarus Writer-in-Residence Program
state · Glarus Cantonal Library
Who qualifies
Authors looking for a quiet space to complete a manuscript.
What you get
Free use of a studio space and a small monthly stipend for up to 3 months.
What it actually costs you
Must participate in one public reading or workshop for the community.
Common gotcha
The studio is highly sought after; apply at least 6 months in advance.
📈 Managing the business of writing
Glarus Creative Expense Deduction
state · Glarus Tax Administration
Who qualifies
Self-employed writers filing taxes in Glarus.
What you get
Specific deductions for home office expenses and research travel within the canton.
What it actually costs you
Must maintain a strict ledger of business-related expenses.
Common gotcha
Personal internet and phone bills are only partially deductible; keep clear records.
Cantonal Health Insurance Premium Reduction
Prämienverbilligung
state · Social Insurance Office Glarus
Who qualifies
Freelancers with low to moderate taxable income.
What you get
Direct reduction of mandatory health insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Annual application based on the previous year's tax assessment.
Common gotcha
The deadline is strict; if you miss it, you lose the subsidy for the entire year.
Graubünden
Graubünden offers unique cultural funding for writers working in Romansh, German, or Italian, alongside specific mountain-region cost-of-living support.
✍️ Funding my creative work
Cultural Promotion Graubünden (Literary Grants)
Kulturförderung Graubünden
state · Amt für Kultur Graubünden
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in or with strong ties to Graubünden.
What you get
Project-based grants ranging from 2,000 to 15,000 CHF.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project plan, budget, and writing samples; competitive selection process.
Common gotcha
Applications must be submitted well in advance of the project start date.
Homeowners or long-term renters upgrading to energy-efficient systems.
What you get
Financial rebate for heating system upgrades or insulation.
What it actually costs you
Technical certification and proof of installation.
Common gotcha
Must apply before starting any construction work.
Jura
As a writer in the Canton of Jura, you benefit from a unique cultural policy that prioritizes artistic autonomy and direct support for independent literary projects in the French-speaking heartland.
✍️ Funding my writing projects
Canton of Jura Literary Creation Grant
Bourse de création littéraire
state · Service de la culture
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Jura for at least 2 years with a published body of work.
What you get
Direct financial support ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 CHF for specific writing projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget, and portfolio; takes 3-4 months for committee review.
Common gotcha
The grant is highly competitive; you must prove that your project has a clear connection to the Jura region or culture.
Writers looking for quiet space to complete a manuscript.
What you get
Subsidized or free accommodation in designated cultural centers within the canton for 1-3 months.
What it actually costs you
Application form and a letter of intent; limited spots available annually.
Common gotcha
Residencies often require you to host a public reading or workshop at the end of your stay.
Jura Publishing Subsidy
Aide à l'édition
state · Service de la culture
Who qualifies
Authors working with local Jura-based publishers.
What you get
Financial coverage for printing costs to make your book affordable for the public.
What it actually costs you
Must be applied for by the publisher on your behalf.
Common gotcha
The subsidy is paid to the publisher, not the author directly, so ensure your contract reflects this.
Jura Translation Fund
Fonds de traduction jurassien
state · Service de la culture
Who qualifies
Writers whose work is being translated from French into another language.
What you get
Co-funding for professional translation fees.
What it actually costs you
Contract with a professional translator and a confirmed publication plan.
Common gotcha
Only professional translators recognized by the canton are eligible for the funding.
⚖️ Keeping my freelance life stable
Jura Independent Worker Social Support
Soutien social aux indépendants
state · Caisse cantonale de compensation
Who qualifies
Freelance writers with low annual income struggling to pay mandatory social contributions.
What you get
Temporary reduction or deferment of social security contribution rates.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income and tax filings; must be requested annually.
Common gotcha
It is not a waiver; it is a payment plan adjustment that requires strict adherence to new deadlines.
Jura Creative Coworking Voucher
Chèque coworking Jura
state · Promotion économique
Who qualifies
Freelance writers needing a professional office space outside the home.
What you get
50% discount on monthly desk rentals at certified coworking spaces in Delémont or Porrentruy.
What it actually costs you
Registration with the state portal and proof of freelance status.
Common gotcha
The voucher is only valid at specific partner spaces listed on the canton's website.
LucerneLuzern
Lucerne offers a unique blend of cantonal arts funding and high-quality public infrastructure that supports the quiet, focused lifestyle of a professional writer.
✍️ Funding my creative work
Cantonal Cultural Promotion Grants
Kulturförderung Kanton Luzern
state · Department of Culture, Canton Lucerne
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Lucerne with a proven track record of publications.
What you get
Project-based financial support or work stipends ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 CHF.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, CV, and sample of work; requires 3 months for committee review.
Common gotcha
Grants are highly competitive and require proof of previous professional engagement.
Neuchâtel offers a unique cultural ecosystem for writers, providing specific cantonal grants and residency support that recognize the value of the French-speaking literary tradition in the Jura region.
✍️ Grants and support for my writing
Cantonal Literary Grant
Bourse littéraire cantonale
state · Service de la culture de Neuchâtel
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in the canton of Neuchâtel for at least two years.
What you get
Financial support ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 CHF for specific writing projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, CV, and previous publication list; annual deadline in spring.
Common gotcha
The competition is high; focus heavily on the artistic merit of the specific project rather than general career history.
Residents with low income or social assistance recipients.
What you get
Drastically reduced entry fees to museums, theaters, and cinemas across the canton.
What it actually costs you
Proof of income status to receive the card.
Common gotcha
Not all private venues accept it, so check the list of partners before arriving.
Nidwalden
Nidwalden offers a unique tax environment and specific cultural grants for freelance writers looking for a quiet, high-quality life in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
✍️ Funding my writing projects
Nidwalden Cultural Promotion
Kulturförderung Nidwalden
state · Amt für Kultur
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Nidwalden with a concrete project.
What you get
Project-based financial support or work grants.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and CV; usually 3-month review time.
Common gotcha
The committee prioritizes projects with a clear connection to the canton or regional relevance.
Direct reduction of monthly health insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Annual application based on the previous year's tax assessment.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply every year; it is not automatic even if your income stays low.
Obwalden
Obwalden offers a unique tax environment and specific cultural grants for independent creatives that make living in the heart of the Swiss Alps financially viable for writers.
✍️ Grants and support for my writing
Obwalden Cultural Promotion Grant
Kulturförderung Obwalden
state · Amt für Kultur Obwalden
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Obwalden with a project of regional significance.
What you get
Project-based financial support ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 CHF.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and CV; submitted via online portal.
Common gotcha
Applications must be submitted at least 3 months before the project start date.
St. Gallen offers a unique blend of cultural subsidies and cantonal tax incentives that support independent creative professionals like writers living in the region.
✍️ Funding my writing life
Kulturförderung Kanton St.Gallen
state · Amt für Kultur
Who qualifies
Professional writers with a proven track record of publication residing in the canton.
What you get
Project-based grants or work stipends ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 CHF.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and CV; requires 3-6 months for committee review.
Common gotcha
They rarely fund projects that have already been completed; apply well before starting.
Schaffhausen offers a unique blend of Swiss stability and regional cultural grants that support independent writers through cantonal arts funding and affordable living initiatives.
✍️ Funding my writing life
Fachstelle Kultur Schaffhausen Grants
Kulturförderung Kanton Schaffhausen
state · Kanton Schaffhausen Kulturamt
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Schaffhausen with a specific project or publication plan.
What you get
Project-based financial support ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 CHF.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and CV; requires 3 months lead time.
Common gotcha
They prioritize works that have a clear connection to the region or local cultural discourse.
Solothurn offers a unique cultural ecosystem for writers, providing specific cantonal grants and residency support that recognize the value of independent literary work.
✍️ Grants and writing support
Cantonal Literary Grant
Literarischer Werkbeitrag
state · Kuratorium für Kulturförderung Solothurn
Who qualifies
Professional writers with a strong connection to the canton of Solothurn.
What you get
Financial support ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 CHF for specific writing projects.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project description, CV, and sample of work; annual application cycle.
Common gotcha
The competition is high; focus on the artistic quality of the project rather than just financial need.
Schwyz offers writers a unique tax environment and specific cantonal cultural funding that supports independent creative work in the heart of Central Switzerland.
✍️ Grants and support for my writing
Cantonal Cultural Promotion Grant
Kulturförderung Kanton Schwyz
state · Amt für Kultur
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Schwyz with a documented project.
What you get
Direct financial project support or work grants ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 CHF.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and CV; 3-month review period.
Common gotcha
They rarely fund projects that are already completed; apply before you finish the manuscript.
Residents with low-income proof or specific professional status.
What you get
Reduced annual pass for regional buses and trains.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residence and income verification.
Common gotcha
Only applies to the regional network, not the national SBB GA-Travelcard.
Cantonal Health Insurance Premium Reduction
Prämienverbilligung
state · Amt für Gesundheit
Who qualifies
Freelancers and writers with income below the cantonal threshold.
What you get
Direct reduction of monthly health insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Annual application based on your tax assessment.
Common gotcha
You must re-apply every year; it is not automatic even if your income stays low.
Innovation and Workspace Support
state · Wirtschaftsförderung Kanton Schwyz
Who qualifies
Freelance creatives and writers needing professional office space.
What you get
Subsidized rent or access to shared creative hubs in the canton.
What it actually costs you
Business plan or proof of active freelance writing practice.
Common gotcha
Spaces are limited and often prioritize tech-adjacent creative work.
Thurgau
Thurgau offers a unique blend of quiet lakeside retreats and cantonal cultural grants that support independent writers seeking focus away from the urban bustle of Zurich.
✍️ Funding my writing projects
Kulturförderung Kanton Thurgau
state · Amt für Kultur
Who qualifies
Professional writers with a documented connection to Thurgau.
What you get
Project-based financial support for research or manuscript completion.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, budget plan, and CV; requires a lead time of 3-6 months.
Common gotcha
They rarely fund projects that have already been completed; apply well before starting.
As a writer in Switzerland's Italian-speaking canton, you navigate a unique cultural landscape where regional arts funding and linguistic support are vital for sustaining a creative career.
✍️ Funding for my creative projects
DECS Cultural Promotion Grant
Aiuti alla cultura del DECS
state · Dipartimento dell'educazione, della cultura e dello sport
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Ticino with a specific project.
What you get
Direct financial subsidies for publication or research costs.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project budget, portfolio, and application form; requires 3-6 months lead time.
Common gotcha
They rarely fund the entire project; you must show other sources of income or matching funds.
Freelance writers filing as self-employed in Ticino.
What you get
Deductions for home office, research travel, and equipment costs.
What it actually costs you
Must maintain meticulous records of all business-related expenses.
Common gotcha
The tax authorities are strict; 'home office' must be a dedicated space.
Arcobaleno Travel Discount
state · Comunità tariffale Arcobaleno
Who qualifies
Residents of Ticino.
What you get
Reduced rates on regional trains and buses for travel to archives or events.
What it actually costs you
Annual subscription fee; proof of residency.
Common gotcha
Discounts are zone-based; ensure you buy the right coverage for your commute.
IAS Self-Employed Contribution Support
Contributi AVS per indipendenti
state · Istituto delle assicurazioni sociali (IAS)
Who qualifies
Freelance writers registered as self-employed.
What you get
Structured social security payment plans based on actual income.
What it actually costs you
Requires registration as a self-employed person with the cantonal office.
Common gotcha
You are responsible for your own AVS contributions; the state will bill you based on your tax return.
Uri
Uri offers unique cultural grants and digital infrastructure support specifically for independent creators and regional writers.
✍️ Funding my writing projects
Uri State Literary Fellowship
उरी राज्य साहित्यिक फैलोशिप
state · Department of Culture, Uri
Who qualifies
Published writers residing in Uri for at least 3 years working on regional history or folklore.
What you get
Monthly stipend of ₹25,000 for 12 months to complete a manuscript.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, 3 letters of recommendation, and a sample of previous work.
Common gotcha
The selection committee prioritizes manuscripts written in the local dialect over standard Hindi.
Altdorf Writers' Residency Grant
आल्टडोर्फ लेखक आवास अनुदान
municipal · Altdorf Municipal Corporation
Who qualifies
Freelance writers registered as residents of Altdorf city.
What you get
Access to a subsidized studio space and a ₹10,000 monthly utility allowance.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency and a portfolio of published articles or books.
Common gotcha
The residency space is limited; applications are only accepted in the first week of April.
Uri Translation Incentive Scheme
उरी अनुवाद प्रोत्साहन योजना
state · Uri State Language Board
Who qualifies
Writers translating works from other Indian languages into the Uri regional dialect.
What you get
One-time grant of ₹50,000 upon publication of the translated work.
What it actually costs you
Copyright clearance documents from the original author and a publishing contract.
Common gotcha
The grant is only released after the physical book is printed and submitted to the state library.
Uri Digital Creator Voucher
उरी डिजिटल निर्माता वाउचर
state · Department of Information Technology, Uri
Who qualifies
Registered freelance writers and bloggers earning less than ₹5 lakh annually.
What you get
₹15,000 reimbursement for the purchase of a laptop or high-speed internet hardware.
What it actually costs you
Original GST invoice and a self-declaration of freelance income.
Common gotcha
The voucher only covers hardware purchased from state-empanelled vendors.
🏥 Staying healthy while working from home
Uri Freelancer Health Top-up
उरी फ्रीलांसर स्वास्थ्य बीमा टॉप-अप
state · Uri State Health Society
Who qualifies
Self-employed professionals in Uri who do not have employer-provided health insurance.
What you get
Additional ₹2 lakh coverage for outpatient consultations and mental health therapy.
What it actually costs you
Registration with the state labor welfare board; annual fee of ₹500.
Common gotcha
This is a top-up; you must already be enrolled in a basic national health scheme to qualify.
Altdorf Public Library Access Pass
आल्टडोर्फ सार्वजनिक पुस्तकालय पास
municipal · Altdorf Public Library Board
Who qualifies
All residents of Altdorf.
What you get
Free access to private study carrels, high-speed Wi-Fi, and archival research databases.
What it actually costs you
Aadhar card and a utility bill for address proof.
Common gotcha
The library is closed on Mondays; the Wi-Fi requires a separate login generated at the front desk.
Vaud
Vaud offers a unique cultural ecosystem for writers, providing specific cantonal grants and residency support that recognize the importance of the arts in the Lake Geneva region.
✍️ Support for my writing projects
Cantonal Literary Creation Grants
Bourses de création littéraire
state · Service des affaires culturelles (SERAC)
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Vaud with a concrete publishing project.
What you get
Financial grants typically ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 CHF to support research and writing time.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, CV, and sample of work; annual application deadline in spring.
Common gotcha
The competition is extremely high; you must prove your work is 'professional' by showing previous publications.
Valais offers unique cultural subsidies for writers and creative professionals, alongside specific cantonal health and mobility support that integrates with the Swiss federal system.
✍️ Funding my writing and creative projects
Cantonal Cultural Promotion Grant
Kulturförderung Wallis
state · Service de la culture / Dienststelle für Kultur
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Valais with a project of regional significance.
What you get
Direct financial support ranging from 2,000 to 10,000 CHF for manuscript development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project budget, writing samples, and a professional CV; 3-month review period.
Common gotcha
The application must be submitted before the project begins; retroactive funding is strictly prohibited.
Subsidized annual travel pass for regional trains and buses.
What it actually costs you
Proof of residency in Valais and a passport photo.
Common gotcha
The discount is only valid for travel within the Valais network; national travel requires a separate GA pass.
Zug
As a writer in Zug, you benefit from one of the world's most favorable tax environments and a highly supportive cantonal arts funding ecosystem that prioritizes independent creators.
✍️ Grants and support for my writing
Zug Cultural Scholarship
Kulturstipendien des Kantons Zug
state · Fachstelle Kultur Kanton Zug
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in Zug with a demonstrated track record of publication.
What you get
Monthly living stipends or project-based grants ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 CHF.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project proposal, CV, and sample of work; competitive selection process twice a year.
Common gotcha
The committee prioritizes projects with a clear connection to the Zug region or Swiss literary landscape.
Direct reduction in monthly health insurance premiums.
What it actually costs you
Annual application based on your previous year's tax assessment.
Common gotcha
If you miss the deadline, you lose the subsidy for the entire year.
Zürich
Zürich offers a unique ecosystem for writers through cantonal cultural grants, subsidized studio spaces, and a robust network of public libraries that serve as essential hubs for creative work.
✍️ Getting funded for my next manuscript
Fachstelle Kultur Literary Grant
Werkbeiträge Literatur
state · Kanton Zürich Fachstelle Kultur
Who qualifies
Professional writers residing in the Canton of Zürich with a concrete project plan.
What you get
Direct financial support ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 CHF for project development.
What it actually costs you
Detailed project description, budget, and writing samples; high competition.
Common gotcha
The application window is strictly once a year; missing the deadline means waiting 12 months.