Onassis Foundation

Onassis Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1975 by the will of Aristotle Onassis, a renowned Greek shipping magnate, in memory of his son Alexander Onassis. The foundation is headquartered in Athens, Greece, and is known for its philanthropic activities in the fields of Hellenic studies, arts and culture, and education, often in collaboration with institutions such as the University of Oxford, Harvard University, and the British Museum. The foundation's work is also inspired by the legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who was a strong supporter of the Arts and Humanities and a Pulitzer Prize winner. The foundation has worked with various organizations, including the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, to promote cultural exchange and academic research.

● History

The Onassis Foundation was established after the death of Aristotle Onassis in 1975, with the primary goal of promoting Hellenic culture and education worldwide, in partnership with institutions such as the Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton University, and the European University Institute. The foundation's early years were marked by the establishment of the Onassis Library, which houses a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts related to Greek history and culture, including works by Homer, Sophocles, and Euripides. The foundation has also collaborated with the Greek Ministry of Culture, the National Gallery of Art, and the Tate Modern to promote Greek art and cultural heritage. Over the years, the foundation has expanded its activities to include the support of scholarly research, arts programs, and community development initiatives, often in partnership with organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the European Commission.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Onassis Foundation's mission is to promote Hellenic studies, arts and culture, and education globally, while fostering cultural exchange and understanding between Greece and other countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, and China. The foundation's objectives include the support of research programs in Hellenic studies, the organization of cultural events and exhibitions, and the provision of scholarships and grants to students and researchers, often in collaboration with institutions such as the University of Cambridge, Stanford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The foundation also aims to promote Greek language and culture through the establishment of language programs and cultural centers around the world, including the Onassis Cultural Center in New York City and the Hellenic Foundation for Culture in London. The foundation has worked with various organizations, including the Goethe-Institut, the Institut Français, and the British Council, to promote language learning and cultural exchange.

● Programs_and_Initiatives

The Onassis Foundation offers a range of programs and initiatives to support its mission and objectives, including the Onassis Fellowship Program, which provides fellowships to researchers and scholars to conduct research in Greece and abroad, often in partnership with institutions such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Fulbright Program, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The foundation also organizes cultural events and exhibitions in Greece and internationally, often in collaboration with institutions such as the Louvre Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Museum of Anthropology. Additionally, the foundation supports community development initiatives in Greece and other countries, including the European Union's Erasmus Program and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The foundation has also partnered with organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Open Society Foundations, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York to support global health initiatives and sustainable development projects.

● Governance_and_Funding

The Onassis Foundation is governed by a board of directors composed of prominent Greeks and international figures, including academics, business leaders, and cultural personalities, such as Nikolaos Anastasopoulos, Dimitris Papadimitriou, and Maria Farantouri. The foundation is funded through the Aristotle Onassis estate, as well as through donations and grants from individuals and organizations, including the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, the Latsis Foundation, and the Hellenic Parliament. The foundation also generates revenue through the management of its investments and real estate properties, including the Onassis Tower in Athens and the Onassis Cultural Center in New York City. The foundation has also received funding from organizations such as the European Investment Bank, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support its development projects and research initiatives.

● Awards_and_Scholarships

The Onassis Foundation offers a range of awards and scholarships to support researchers, students, and artists, including the Onassis Award for outstanding contributions to Hellenic studies and culture, often in partnership with institutions such as the Academy of Athens, the University of California, Berkeley, and the Columbia University. The foundation also provides scholarships to students from Greece and other countries to pursue higher education in Greece and abroad, often in collaboration with institutions such as the University of Chicago, the University of Pennsylvania, and the London School of Economics. Additionally, the foundation offers grants to support research projects and cultural initiatives, often in partnership with organizations such as the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), and the Institute of International Education (IIE).

● International_Presence_and_Collaborations

The Onassis Foundation has a strong international presence, with offices and partnerships in Europe, North America, and other regions, including the Onassis Cultural Center in New York City and the Hellenic Foundation for Culture in London. The foundation collaborates with a range of institutions and organizations worldwide, including universities, museums, and cultural centers, such as the Smithsonian Institution, the British Library, and the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The foundation also participates in international networks and conferences to promote Hellenic studies and cultural exchange, often in partnership with organizations such as the International Council of Museums (ICOM), the World Federation of UNESCO Clubs, and the European Cultural Foundation. The foundation has also worked with various governments and international organizations, including the European Union, the United Nations, and the Council of Europe, to promote cultural cooperation and educational exchange.