We are pleased to announce the launch of a special crowdfunding campaign on the day of what would have been Gretta Fenner’s 50th birthday.

The campaign supports the Gretta Fenner Scholarship Fund, which enables talented individuals from lower-income backgrounds to access our advanced anti-corruption programmes.

You can visit and share the campaign page here.

Gretta’s commitment to education and integrity

Our long-serving and inspiring leader of two decades, Gretta Fenner, understood the value and power of education. She invested boldly on behalf of the Basel Institute in Basel STUDY – academic programmes with the University of Basel – to help build tomorrow’s leaders in the fight against corruption and financial crime.

Gretta was inspired by the people she met in every corner of the world and in every profession during her famously whirlwind travels. She recognised the potential in individuals who showed initiative, talent and the inner fire to pursue impactful careers strengthening governance and transparency and combating corruption and financial crime.

She wanted to open the door to meaningful education and lifelong learning beyond school or university, beyond short courses, videos and slides.

Investing in future leaders

All of us at the Basel Institute share this belief. Each of us can tell a story of how education, peer networks and continuous learning have shaped our careers and opened new opportunities.

This is why we are asking for your support for the Scholarship Fund named in Gretta’s honour. 

The Scholarship Fund supports applicants from lower-income backgrounds who show a strong commitment to anti-corruption, transparency and good governance in their fields or communities. All funds raised go towards these students' tuition fees and, in some cases, travel to Basel for in-person course launch and closing events.

The Fund’s impact

One Scholarship recipient starting our first anti-corruption course spoke of his determination to “…resolve anti-corruption challenges from an African perspective”, while another shared how “this prestigious study programme… offers a forum to learn from professionals who are influencing the global conversation on anti-corruption.”

She acknowledged:

“This educational journey would not have been possible without the support of the Gretta Fenner Scholarship Fund.”

How to support

If education or the generosity of others have ever shaped your life, please consider giving – or inviting others to give – before the year ends.

With a target of CHF 100,000, we aim to fund up to 20 scholarships in 2026 and help advance Gretta’s vision for global peace, stability and sustainability.

To donate or share the campaign with your networks, please visit the Gretta Fenner Scholarship Fund platform.