Evoq for the Ernst Göhner Foundation: A Rethinking of the Brand Identity
With support from the branding agency Evoq, the Ernst Göhner Foundation is undergoing a comprehensive rebranding—featuring a new design system, an accessible website, and a modular reporting system.
Starting at the end of June 2026, the Ernst Göhner Foundation will unveil a comprehensively revamped brand identity. It was developed by the Zurich-based branding and design agency evoq communications. The result: a distinctive visual identity, an accessible website, and a modular reporting system that provide the Ernst Göhner Foundation with a contemporary foundation for its communications. As one of Switzerland’s most significant grant-making foundations, the foundation aims to be clearly positioned among major grant-making institutions and to be perceived as an innovative and responsible organization.
Subtle in tone, unmistakable in attitude
In the redesigned logo, the abbreviation EGS—already well-established in practice—takes center stage. According to evoq, key guiding principles were defined to continue honoring the founder Ernst Göhner, his vision, and his mission; these principles form the foundation of the entire brand identity. The design philosophy is guided by the principles that Ernst Göhner stood for: efficiency, clarity, and entrepreneurial thinking. Just as Ernst Göhner once set new standards by standardizing modular construction, the new design system creates a robust foundation for consistent communication across all channels, according to the press release.
The Website as the Cornerstone of Brand-Consistent Communication
In addition to brand development, evoq was also responsible for the design and implementation of the new multilingual website. The focus was on providing targeted support to applicants throughout the funding process. According to the press release, all content—from technical development to editorial structuring—was designed with accessibility and user-friendliness in mind. Particular attention was paid to accessibility. In addition, a digital brand style guide for partners and grant recipients was created using the same technical foundation.
Annual Reports as the Foundation of Transparent Reporting
Another key focus of the project was the development of a new reporting and publishing system. To this end, Evoq designed a flexible editorial design system for the foundation’s publications. The public annual report is intended to combine documentary visual language with custom-developed infographics, making the foundation’s social and corporate engagement accessible and easy to understand. For the comprehensive accountability report—which includes data from more than 2,000 funded projects—an automated layout solution was also developed to publish the content efficiently, consistently, and in line with the brand guidelines.
According to the Ernst Göhner Foundation, its new website provides it with a communication framework that combines strategic clarity, digital accessibility, and long-term consistency.
Contact at evoq communications: Dominique Haussener (Project Lead, Consulting), Markus Wohlhüter (Head of Design), Marta Freitas (Design), Giannina Binder, Marcel Marty (Programming), Sergio Beti (Image Editing).
