News

Ownership meets purpose in Greece’s evolving social economy, and Helidoni Foundation is proud to stand alongside Stewards, the country’s first ambassador of the Steward-Ownership (SO) model. Stewards are leading a new wave of mission-driven enterprises that prioritize long-term impact over short-term profit.

In 2025, with our continued support, Stewards will help organizations like Ten Million Hands and Schema Labs to transition into the SO model. Through mentorship, alternative financing, and partnerships with academia and impact funds, Stewards is building the foundation for a values-driven economy.

“At Helidoni, we believe true impact comes from aligning ownership with purpose. Supporting Stewards means fostering a new generation of enterprises that put social and environmental good first.” says Alexis Zitrides, Managing Director of Helidoni Foundation.

Leonardo Valettas, Cofounder and Executive Director of Stewards pins down the core mission of the organization, “Stewards are bringing a new model of governance and corporate structure, empowering a transition to an economy that serves first and foremost the people and the society, while protecting and preserving the planet”

Together, we are shaping Greece’s future economy—responsible, transparent, and mission-led.

We’re excited to support World Human Forum and its pioneering Inner Values Incubator (IVI) - a free, innovative self-assessment tool that helps individuals and organisations identify their core and aspirational values, reflect on their inner development, and align their actions with what truly matters.

With Helidoni Foundation’s support, IVI is expanding its impact through workshops, training sessions, and free online access to the tool.

“IVI helps pave the way for more conscious and values-rooted action, and we’re excited to be part of its journey.” says Alexis Zitrides, Managing Director at Helidoni Foundation.

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Helidoni Foundation is proud to continue supporting Ten Million Hands (TMH), a dynamic initiative reshaping how people and businesses in Greece approach conscious consumption. Since 2022, TMH has brought Sustainable Development Goal 12 to life through practical resources and educational content.

In 2025, TMH is embarking on an ambitious new phase, expanding its online Information Hub, Conscious Marketplace, and Meal & Benefits Cards, while launching a school program endorsed by the Ministry of Education.

“Supporting Ten Million Hands reflects our commitment to fostering responsible consumption and empowering communities. Their work is inspiring meaningful change that will benefit both people and the planet.” says Alexis Zitrides, Managing Director of Helidoni Foundation.

Together, we are nurturing a more conscious and sustainable Greece.

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We’re excited to support AFI – Action Finance Initiative, Greece’s first non-banking microfinance institution, in its mission to combat financial and social exclusion by providing micro‑loans and free business advice to unemployed individuals and small businesses. With Helidoni Foundation’s grant, AFI will strengthen its business development services, upgrade its digital tools, and launch a nationwide awareness campaign on financial inclusion.

“Entrepreneurship is a pathway to development and contribution to economy. AFI’s work creates opportunity for people to grow and thrive — and we’re proud to stand behind that.” - Alexis Zitrides, Managing Director of Helidoni Foundation.

"Helidoni Foundation’s support is a strong vote of confidence in AFI’s mission and our 10-year effort to promote entrepreneurship. This partnership strengthens our work to advance financial inclusion in Greece."- Stamatis Velegkrakis, CEO of AFI

Together, we’re building a more inclusive and resilient future for entrepreneurship in Greece.

Helidoni Foundation is proud to support an immersive educational program at the Prespes Lakes in partnership with The American College of Greece (ACG). In May 2025, this week-long field course offered students hands-on experience with biodiversity, environmental challenges, and sustainable practices in one of Greece’s most ecologically rich areas.

“We are excited to support a program that integrates environmental awareness into students' education journey. Connecting students with nature and local communities is key to nurturing future environmental leaders.” - Alexis Zitrides, Managing Director of Helidoni Foundation.

This initiative exemplifies how experiential learning can inspire meaningful actions regarding the environment and foster a sustainable future.

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Innovation meets tradition this spring in Athens, and Helidoni Foundation is honored to play a role in making it happen. We’re supporting the inaugural @panathenea.festival, a bold new nonprofit initiative fully led by students and recent graduates, reimagining connection and celebration through technology, art, and entrepreneurship.

Taking place May 7–9, 2025, at the historic Athens Conservatory, Panathēnea will gather young creators, aspiring founders, artists, and innovators for three days of talks, exhibitions, networking, and cultural events, culminating in a vibrant street party beneath the Acropolis.Our grant contributes to the realization of this first edition, helping create a festival designed and delivered by the next generation of talent. With inclusive programming that encourages dialogue, exploration, and lasting collaboration, Panathēnea offers a space where fresh ideas and diverse voices can thrive.

The Points of Support Program is launching its 8th Cycle with an Open Call for applications. More than 104,000 people have benefited from the 191 initiatives funded since the inception of the program in 2015. In the 8th funding cycle, ten charitable foundations in Greece are once again joining forces to continue supporting Civil Society.

The Points of Support Program is aimed at grassroots civil society organizations, helping them implement innovative, small-scale actions with a high social impact, while also building their capacities to enhance their sustainability. Since 2022, the program has been coordinated by the Bodossaki Foundation.

Participating in this cycle of the program are: John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, TIMA Charitable Foundation, Bodossaki Foundation, Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, A.G. Leventis Foundation, Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, Costas M. Lemos Foundation, The Hellenic Initiative Canada, Athina I. Martinou Foundation, and the Helidoni Foundation.

The launch event will take place on Wednesday, February 26, at 14:00 at Serafio of the Municipality of Athens (Echelidon & Pireos 144). Find out more about the Open Call and register for the event through this link.

In February 2025, Helidoni Foundation renewed its support for Ecogenia. The Olympus program equips young people with the tools to take action on key environmental challenges in Litochoro and beyond.

Since its pilot launch in 2024, Olympus has engaged young leaders in hands-on projects such as wildfire prevention, trail maintenance, and ecotourism development.

“We are proud to support the Olympus program, which inspires young people to take part in meaningful environmental initiatives. Their actions are crucial for safeguarding Greece’s ecosystems and strengthening local communities.” said Alexis Zitrides, Managing Director of Helidoni Foundation.

#ClimateAction #Sustainability #HelidoniFoundation #Ecogenia

We’re excited to share the Helidoni Foundation's new website! More than just a redesign, it reflects the evolution of our mission and priorities.

We now emphasize Steward-Ownership (S.O.), a model that ensures financial independence and long-lasting impact. Our new dedicated S.O. page explains why we advocate for this approach and how it shapes our funding philosophy.

To better showcase our work, we’ve restructured our funded programs, categorizing them by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Program Areas. This makes it easier to explore the scope of our initiatives.

Lastly, we’ve expanded our team! We welcome two new members from Helidoni Group, the family office behind the foundation, strengthening our ability to support mission-first organizations.

Our new website captures who we are today and where we’re headed. Discover how we are shaping a future where purpose and impact go hand in hand!

We’re thrilled to share with you our collaboration with Schema Labs, a newly established organization dedicated to reinforcing democracy and civic engagement. With our funding, Schema Labs has successfully developed and launched its first major project: OpenCouncil - a groundbreaking platform designed to bridge the gap between citizens and local governments.

OpenCouncil helps municipalities build stronger connections with their communities through digital tools that make decision-making more transparent, participatory, and responsive. By simplifying how local governments interact with citizens, the platform guarantees that people have a real say in shaping local policies and initiatives.

At Helidoni Foundation, we strongly believe in the power of steward-led organizations, where mission and long-term impact take precedence over profit. Schema Labs/OpenCouncil is the second steward-led initiative we proudly champion, and we couldn’t be more excited to contribute to its vision of open, accessible, and accountable governance.

We look forward to seeing the impact of Schema Labs’ work and invite you to follow their journey!