The Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations as well as scholarships

The Foundation awards grants in the areas of social welfare, health, education, culture and the environment. In addition to its nationwide reach and cross-sectoral spectrum, it focuses its grantmaking on issues related to the sea. The Scholarship Program, for disciplines related to the sea, will commence within 2023.

MissionAthina I. Martinou Foundation’s mission is to create a wave of evolution and development,

with giving as its starting point and the common good as its ultimate destination. It was founded in 2021, guided by the vision of Athina I. Martinou and with a view of continuing her philanthropic work for the benefit of the Greek society. The Foundation’s operation is imbued by her values – equality, respect, humility, meritocracy – that stand as the cornerstone in realizing its mission and fulfilling its vision.

The Foundation awards grants in the areas of social welfare, health, education, culture and the environment. In addition to its nationwide reach and cross-sectoral spectrum, it focuses its grantmaking on issues related to the sea. The Foundation supports nonprofit organizations and does not direct grants to individuals, except in the case of scholarships. The Scholarship Program, for disciplines related to the sea, is in the process of being designed. The Foundation also provides emergency grants in crisis situations.

The Foundation’s work is coordinated and approved by its Executive Committee, consisting of Ioanna Martinou, Aris Koropoulis, Aliki Martinou, Giannis Martinos and Marina-Matthildi Martinos.

Operation & Strategy The Foundation’s operation is governed by the principles of strategic philanthropy.

The objective of its grants is to serve the empowerment and development of their direct beneficiaries, rather than merely covering their temporary needs. Thus, each request is examined through the prism of sustainability and capacity building. Grantee organizations are expected to achieve broad and lasting social impact as well as to demonstrate effective governance, sound management, and the ability to fulfil their purpose.

At the core of the Foundation’s aim is the practical support and mobilization of organizations, with the purpose of multiplying the benefits of the grants it awards. Accordingly, it prioritizes the forging of collaborations of various forms with other funders, including co-funding and complementary grants. Moreover, it favors programs and actions implemented through the collaboration of Civil Society members, as well as by public-private partnerships.

According to the philanthropic strategy defined by the Executive Committee for the year 2023, the Foundation will support projects of nationwide reach as well as of national significance, in addition to projects related directly or indirectly to the sea.