ANNUAL REPORT 2025
ANNUAL REPORT 2025
€ 5,000,000
ANNUAL GLOBAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE 2002-2025
€ 4,000,000
€ 3,000,000
€ 2,000,000
€ 1,000,000
PHILANTHROPY AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GIVING AND RECEIVING
by MARIE ELENA CUOMO| PRESIDENT
It has long been accepted that success and fortune place a responsibility on those who are more conscious than others of the human distress around them: to give back, through an established structure such as a foundation, part of what life has given them, for the benefit of the most disadvantaged. American society encourages this type of behaviour more actively, since philanthropic action benefits from tax incentives. Without diminishing the significance of such action, this helps explain the large number of philanthropic initiatives across the Atlantic.
In Europe, such gestures remain less frequent, although their number is increasing.
In the past, philanthropy often consisted simply in giving, leaving others to manage donations locally, without monitoring progress, obstacles or even blockages. Today, many philanthropic initiatives no longer simply provide funding. They are also locally involved in monitoring implementation and in observing the changes that take place.
Philanthropic action can take several forms, chiefly education, health, support for research, the development of an art form, or the preservation or restitution of an identity-forming cultural heritage.
Every philanthropic act contains something like a ballet between the act of giving on one side and the act of receiving on the other.
In the aftermath of a natural disaster - an earthquake, tsunami or fire - there are sudden surges of generosity, and donors are most often perceived very positively, almost as a gift from heaven.
Yet States remain sovereign within their own territories, and the human tragedies that follow can reduce the philanthropic impact of assistance, whatever form it may take.
In any event, such action is always brief, and donors do not know the recipients.
By contrast, involvement in education and health requires a long-term commitment and a local presence, either directly or through local representatives. This extended timeframe creates a lasting relationship between donor and recipients, introducing another parameter: no longer simply that of the gift, but that of the vision behind the project and the means
deployed to achieve its goals. Over time, this relationship can sometimes become difficult to sustain, as the recipient may perceive the donor’s constant presence as an “intrusion” into his or her own sphere.
Philanthropic action is therefore more difficult than instinctive feelings might lead one to believe. Finally, morality is constantly evolving, and not necessarily for the better.
How many countries that were once easily accessible are now closed to any foreign action, wherever it may come from?
Transfers of funds are also becoming problematic.
The best intentions are now constrained by an increasingly complex and sometimes highly restrictive geopolitical environment.
Managing a philanthropic foundation has become difficult, both in distant regions and close to home, especially as poverty and human distress are on our doorstep and States are increasingly limited in what they can do.
The dream that presides over the creation of a foundation comes up, after years of work, against growing difficulties. This should not discourage us, but it requires much more substantial work before deciding whom to help, at what cost, and with whom.
Monaco - 2026
BREAKDOWN BY COUNTRY
GLOBAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE 2025
BREAKDOWN BY FIELDS OF ACTIVITY
GLOBAL OPERATING EXPENDITURE 2025
Making PossibleChange
by Francisco a. Diaz Lison | CEO
Once again, the Cuomo Foundation has fulfilled its mission by allocating 85% of its operational resources to education-related projects, 10% to art and culture, and 5% to initiatives in the socio-economic field.
Across the secondary schools in India that the Cuomo Foundation has supported for the past 25 years, the pass rate for the qualification equivalent to the French baccalaureate stands at 91.75%, very close to the 95% overall pass rate recorded among candidates in the State of Tamil Nadu. Making progress and closing this gap may now become objectives to be pursued, once the areas for improvement highlighted by the external evaluation commissioned from an Indian consultancy firm have been carefully analysed.
In the field of art and culture, we can only express our enthusiasm and satisfaction at the exemplary progress made by our young scholarship awardee, Faustine Blanchard, during her studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. For the first time, she was able to take part in staged work with orchestral accompaniment, while confronting the demands of a full-scale operatic production.
Finally, the farm restoration initiative launched by Amadou Makhouredia Diop in Lompoul, in north-western Senegal, is a remarkable example of action in the socio-economic field. It combines the rehabilitation of a local agricultural production site with the contribution of science, through the voluntary support of an expert native to the country of Teranga — a Wolof word meaning hospitality.
Indeed, Dr Siméon Diedhiou, a former Cuomo Foundation grantee under the tripartite programme involving the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the IPCC (the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) and the Cuomo Foundation, is providing direct and practical support to this project. He is sharing his knowledge and testing, on the ground, the adaptations needed to strengthen resilience to climate change.
These few examples should not lead us to lower our guard, or allow us to believe that all contemporary challenges have been resolved. Quite the contrary. The list remains long, and resistance to change remains very strong. Even when the desire to evolve is expressed in public discourse, it is rarely translated into original and effective action. As international public aid declines — for reasons that are poorly explained, though at times justified — it has become urgent to devise new organisational models: legal frameworks that are less restrictive, modes of action that are less vertical, and funding models capable of supporting lasting success. Above all, we must grant ourselves the freedom to create.
Monaco - 2026
Adapting Uncertainto Times
by Sarah Lieberson | English Advisor/Consultant
These days, with so much change—conflict, political uncertainty, and the ongoing effects of climate change—it can sometimes feel difficult to hold onto hope. Places where the Foundation once worked with confidence have become less predictable, pushing it, like many international NGOs, to adapt and rethink how to continue helping most effectively. Regions that were once stable and allowed for sustained philanthropic work have become increasingly volatile. Given these challenges, the Foundation has taken a step back to consider what really matters. This year, it has chosen to focus on individuals—helping people unlock their potential, one by one. By offering scholarships, encouragement, and
support—especially to young women facing tough circumstances—the Foundation is working to open doors to education and opportunity that might otherwise remain closed.
Education is at the heart of the Cuomo Foundation and continues to guide everything it does, whether through the ongoing support of its numerous schools in India or the advancement of forward-looking projects with the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honour in France.
At the Cuomo Foundation, it is the stories of individuals— students overcoming odds, families and communities striving for a better future—that give strength and inspiration to all. With the steady support of Maria Elena Cuomo and Francisco A. Diaz Lison, the Cuomo Foundation enables individuals to find the strength to face challenges and achieve personal growth.
The Cuomo Foundation remains an independent philanthropic organisation and is proud to fund all its projects solely from its own resources, without relying on public fundraising. Therefore, it remains flexible, able to respond quickly, and true to its high values, whatever changes may come in this world.
London - 2026
SUPPORT FOR SCHOOLS AND PUPILS IN SOUTHERN INDIA
For over twenty-five years, the Cuomo Foundation has maintained a sustained commitment to advancing educational opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Tamil Nadu. The Cuomos’ involvement began with an existing makeshift school in Kovalam in the late 1990s, even before they officially established the Cuomo Foundation. Since then, their initial programme of support has grown to become one of the main focuses of the Foundation’s work.
Developed in collaboration with the dioceses of MadrasMylapore and Chingleput, the programme now operates across five locations in Tamil Nadu state: in the capital city Chennai, and in the rural communities of KG Kandigai, Kovalam, Mambakkam and Sendivakkam. The overall approach involves building, renovating, and supporting primary and secondary schools, along with providing scholarships to students. To date, seven schools have been built, improved, or supported, giving thousands of students access to quality education every day.
The campus of Amala Annai Higher Secondary School, Mambakkam
The campus of Alfredo Cuomo Higher Secondary School, Sendivakkam
In Kovalam, where the programme began, gradual upgrades to the facilities have resulted in a large educational campus that comprises a pre-school, a junior school, dorms, and a higher secondary school called St. Joseph’s School, with a total capacity of up to 3,000 students.
St.Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Kovalam
Number of pupils per class: 2025–2026
BOYS GIRLS
In 2005, the Foundation constructed a much-needed higher secondary school in Sendivakkam. Since then, additional buildings and equipment have been added. The local government formally renamed it the Alfredo Cuomo Higher Secondary School in honour of the founder of the Cuomo Foundation.
The Foundation has also set up boarding dormitories within the schools of Sendivakkam, Kovalam, and KG Kandigai, making it easier for students from remote areas—especially girls—to attend school.
Alfredo Cuomo Higher Secondary School, Sendivakkam
Number of pupils per class: 2025–2026
BOYS GIRLS
In 2015, the Foundation showed its commitment to the environment by building a “green” school complex in Mambakkam, which earned “Platinum” certification from the prestigious National Indian Green Building Council. This project highlights how the Foundation is increasingly including environmental concerns in its educational work.
The Foundation has also awarded over 600 financial scholarships, helping students from disadvantaged backgrounds continue their studies at colleges and universities.
With nearly €8 million invested so far, this programme shows the Foundation’s long-term commitment to educational access and community development by combining new school buildings, ongoing educational support, and close partnerships with local communities.
Amala Annai Higher Secondary School, Mambakkam
Number of pupils per class: 2025–2026
BOYS
GIRLS
St Charles Higher Secondary School , KG Kandigai Number of pupils per class: 2025–2026
2025 Results of the public examinations for Grade 12 the equivalent of the French baccalaureate
MONACO RED CROSS
Since 2002, the Cuomo Foundation has supported the Monaco Red Cross scholarship programme, an assistance scheme for young people from modest backgrounds in the Principality and neighbouring areas.
This initiative is part of the Monaco Red Cross’s broader social efforts, offering financial, educational, and social support to those in vulnerable situations.
Scholarships play a key role by enabling middle-school, high-school, and university students to pursue their academic goals in better conditions. Awarded annually, these grants aim to promote academic achievement and help recipients integrate socially and professionally by providing access to essential resources for their future.
Through its longstanding involvement, the Cuomo Foundation helps drive a local commitment to equal opportunity and support for the next generation.
252,868
23%
PLACE OF STUDY
STUDENTS RECEIVING SUPPORT
AVERAGE AGE
AVERAGE AMOUNT PAID PER MONTH
62 22 Years € 260
ROMA INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION
Since 2004, the Cuomo Foundation has been the principal patron of the Associazione Culturale Fryderyk Chopin in Rome, which was renamed the Fondazione Marcella Crudeli in 2025.
Founded in 1987 by internationally acclaimed pianist Maestro Marcella Crudeli, this non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting musical excellence and nurturing young international talent through concert series and advanced training workshops.
The highlight of its annual activity is the International Piano Competition “Roma” established in 1990 and held every year without interruption. The competition is organized under the patronage of the Italian National Commission for UNESCO and the International Federation of Chopin Societies. It is a member of the Alink-Argerich Foundation and, since 2008, has been recognized by the Italian Ministry of Culture and the City of Rome.
The winners of the 2025 Roma competition, together with the organisers and sponsors — Rome, November 2025
For over two decades, the Cuomo Foundation has played a key role in the competition’s structural and artistic evolution. This partnership reflects a long-term commitment to expanding professional opportunities for emerging performers and supporting their integration into the international music arena. Hosted in the historic Cloister of the Confraternita San Giovanni Battista dei Genovesi in Rome, the competition concludes with a prize-winner concert broadcast live internationally giving young artists immediate exposure and a valuable platform for launching their careers.
In 2025, Italian pianist Marco Ottaviani was awarded the Grand Prix Chopin.
Marco Ottaviani (Italiy) - Grand Prix Chopin 2025
“The Cuomo Foundation’s support for the International Piano Competition “Roma”, which now extends over more than twenty years, continued in 2025 through a shared commitment to young people, education and culture. Since 1990, more than 4,500 young musicians from 81 countries across five continents have entered the competition. In recognition of the event’s high artistic and cultural value, the President of the Italian Republic awarded his medal of representation in 2015, on the competitions’ 25th anniversary. ”
Marcella Crudeli Foundation
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PAOLO MASOTTI
The press conference announcing the 34th ‘Roma’ International Piano Competition, followed by a recital given by Maestro Marcella Crudeli in memory of Mr Alfredo Cuomo — 22 October 2025, Le Capitole, Rome
EDUCATION
SAINTE DÉVOTE CHALLENGE
Since 2013, the Cuomo Foundation has supported the Sainte Dévote Tournament, organised by the Monaco Rugby Federation and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.
The event promotes the values of rugby beyond competition alone, with an emphasis on inclusion, respect and sharing. Over thirteen years, it has become a global benchmark in the mixed U12 category, bringing together international teams each year for a day of exchange and openness. Alongside the sporting fixtures, workshops are offered to raise awareness among various groups, particularly the youngest children (Tots Rugby, aged 3 to 5) and children with disabilities, who take part in specially adapted activities. Through this commitment, the Cuomo Foundation supports the transmission of educational and inclusive values, in line with its initiatives for young people.
15,000 1.3%
“A relationship built on shared values and a common commitment... The Cuomo Foundation is one of the Sainte Dévote Tournament’s longest-standing partners. It believed in the project from the outset and has supported it with loyalty and conviction. In 2025, 140 children with disabilities, 140 pupils attending school in Monaco, 60 very young children aged 2 to 6, and nearly 300 children from all over the world came together at the Stade Louis-II to share, exchange, discover new cultures and grow together.”
THIERRY DANTHEZ
Vice President - Monaco Rugby Federation
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Signing of the partnership formalising the Cuomo Foundation’s support for the 2025 edition of the Challenge Sainte Dévote – 27 March 2025
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP
- ROSHAN SUSAIRAJ
Since 2013, Roshan Susairaj has received sustained financial and emotional support from the Cuomo Foundation following medical complications that resulted in an amputation and the initial fitting of an unsuitable femoral prosthesis.
After being introduced to Roshan and his family in 2013, the Foundation funded the provision of a high-quality lower limb prosthesis that was appropriately adapted to his physiological needs. In addition, it enabled Roshan to undergo a comprehensive physiotherapy programme, which led to significant improvements in his mobility. Throughout his adolescence, the Foundation’s assistance extended to his medical care, educational opportunities, and extracurricular activities, supporting both his physical rehabilitation and personal development. After completing his secondary education in Chennai, Roshan continued to higher education in computer science, earning a bachelor’s degree in Chennai before enrolling at a university in London to pursue a master’s degree, having successfully completed the IELTS examination. He is now confidently continuing his academic journey.
Roshan Susairaj with Maria Elena Cuomo - Monaco 2025
In 2016, the Foundation expanded its support to the entire family, with the objective of fostering long-term stability. Roshan’s sister, Jenifer, was awarded a scholarship that enabled her to pursue higher education in Chennai and improve her proficiency in English; she is now employed in the banking sector, achieving financial independence. Their mother, Sujatha, also benefited from Foundation support, receiving training in sewing and subsequently establishing a small workshop-boutique in the Mylapore district of Chennai, thereby securing a stable source of income. This comprehensive approach has resulted in a sustainable improvement in the family’s living conditions, strengthening both their economic security and social autonomy and sense of self-worth.
Marina Beach, Chennai - March 2018
“After completing my master’s degree, I joined an Artificial Intelligence course at DataMites in Bangalore, India. During the course, I learned about Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, and other modern AI technologies. The course included practical projects and hands-on learning, which helped me understand how AI is used in real-world situations and improved my professional skills.”
ROSHAN SUSAIRAJ, Mcs
Regent’s College, London - January 2024
EDUCATION
IPCC SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scholarship programme was launched in 2007, using funds from the Nobel Peace Prize jointly awarded to the IPCC and former US Vice President Al Gore.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation began supporting the programme in 2011, while the Cuomo Foundation joined as a funding partner in 2013. Together, these two foundations are now the principal funders of the programme, which awards scholarships every two years.
The IPCC, established in 1988 under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme, is recognized as the leading international authority for the scientific assessment of climate change. The scholarship programme is designed to support doctoral students from developing countries whose research focuses on climate-related issues. Recipients are selected biennially by a committee of IPCC scientific experts.
Since the involvement of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Cuomo Foundation, over twenty seven young researchers have received financial support through this initiative, thereby contributing to the development of international research capacity in climate science.
GUEST ARTICLE THE POWER OF INVESTING IN CLIMATE SCHOLARS FROM THE GLOBAL SOUTH
Testimony from Dr. Pheakkdey Nguon, IPCC Scholar 2013-2015
Ten years have passed since I completed my doctorate, yet I still remember how distant that world once felt from where I began in Cambodia. When I started my PhD in 2010, climate change had already become one of the defining challenges of our time. Yet access to the institutions shaping global climate research and policy remained profoundly unequal. For many young scholars from developing countries, the barriers were rarely talent or ambition. They were access to funding, mentorship, academic networks, and the confidence to believe that their perspectives mattered in international discussions. I knew many capable individuals whose ideas never reached those spaces because the pathways simply did not exist for them.
My own path changed because certain institutions and individuals chose to invest in scholars from underrepresented countries. The support I received from the Cuomo Foundation through the IPCC Scholarship Programme, together with the Fulbright Programme and others, transformed the course of my life. These programmes offered far more than financial assistance. They opened doors to intellectual community, scientific collaboration, and international engagement that once seemed beyond reach.
I was especially fortunate to study under Professor Anthony Bebbington, whose mentorship profoundly shaped both my academic and personal development. Beyond formal PhD supervision, he offered encouragement and guidance during moments of uncertainty that many international students quietly experience. He challenged me to think critically about environmental governance and development, while also teaching me the importance of approaching discussions with openness rather than preconceived conclusions. Through his example, I learned that rigorous scholarship is not about defending fixed positions, but about listening carefully, engaging different perspectives with humility, and remaining willing to rethink one’s assumptions. He showed that strong scholarship and public engagement could remain grounded in intellectual openness, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. The opportunities created by these programmes did not end with my degree. Over the past decade, I have worked across science and policy with international organisations, governments, and universities in Asia,
Pheakkdey Nguon (centre) at the award ceremony for the 2013–2015 cohort of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fellowship Programme – September 2013
Africa, and Europe. Since joining the European Forest Institute in 2018, and through earlier roles with the UN-REDD Programme, the World Bank, and regional research initiatives, I have gained first-hand insight into both the possibilities and limitations of contemporary climate governance, as well as the importance of having experts from affected countries actively engaged in shaping discussions and identifying solutions.
I have contributed to initiatives that sought to translate global climate and forest governance commitments into practical actions. At the United Nations Development Programme, I led the drafting of Cambodia’s National REDD+ Strategy, the national Safeguards Information System, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and management plans for national protected areas and biodiversity conservation corridors. Through the World Bank, I worked on environmental and social safeguard frameworks for agricultural sector projects. At the European Forest Institute, I have supported regional cooperation on forest governance, climate policies, sustainable supply chains, and responses to demand-side regulations across Asia, Africa and Europe. These experiences have shown me that effective climate governance depends not only on scientific evidence and technical systems, but also on trust, transparency, political commitment, and inclusive participation of local experts. I have facilitated regional exchanges and policy dialogues involving ASEAN member states, the EU, the UK, China, civil society organisations, and private sector actors, helping strengthen cooperation on forest governance, climate policies, and sustainable trade. I have also contributed to regional policy discussions and knowledge products related to ASEAN standards on timber legality and forest carbon, which aim to strengthen transparency and regional cooperation in response to evolving global expectations.
Across different regions, I have worked with researchers, policymakers, civil society actors, and community leaders who remain deeply committed to building more grounded and locally informed approaches to climate governance. My long-standing involvement with the Sustainable Mekong
Research Network (SUMERNET), where I have served as both a member since 2013 and being its current Chair, reinforced the importance of investing not only in projects and technical outputs, but also in long-term partnerships, mentorship, regional cooperation, and local expertise. Through SUMERNET, I have supported South–South learning exchanges involving more than 1000 researchers and policymakers across Asia. One particularly meaningful milestone in this journey thus far was being selected for the 2025 Yale Emerging Climate Leaders Fellowship. More than a personal recognition, the experience strengthened my belief that perspectives from climate-vulnerable and developing countries must play a more central role in shaping international climate and energy transition discussions, rather than remaining at their margins.
As I prepare to relocate to Edinburgh in July 2026 for a new role within the European Forest Institute, I often reflect on the people, institutions, and programmes that made this journey possible. I remain deeply grateful to the IPCC Scholarship Programme, the Cuomo Foundation, the Fulbright Program, and others who believed that investing in scholars from countries like Cambodia matters.
At a time when climate risks are intensifying and geopolitical divisions are deepening, expanding access to education, scientific exchange, and inclusive leadership is more important than ever. Supporting scholars from developing and underrepresented countries is not simply an investment in individual opportunity. It is an investment in stronger scientific cooperation, more inclusive climate leadership, and more equitable global responses to climate change.
BURKINA FASO
CULTURE
DORA MURAL COMPETITION
The annual “Dora” mural competition represents an initiative aimed at safeguarding the cultural heritage of the Kassena people in Burkina Faso.
Intended specifically for schoolgirls, the competition is designed to transmit a traditional pictorial technique that is still practised within the Royal Court of Tiébélé, a site renowned for its significance in Gurunsi architecture. During the event, elder women guide participants in learning this ancestral practice, thereby preserving a centuries-old tradition and passing on the social and cultural codes embedded within it.
Since 2014, the Cuomo Foundation has supported the Royal Court of Tiébélé, an earthen architectural complex dating to the sixteenth century, consisting of compounds enclosed within protective walls. The dwellings, constructed from locally sourced materials, are adorned by women—the exclusive bearers of this tradition—using motifs that serve both symbolic and protective purposes. The site remains inhabited, demonstrating the ongoing vitality of Kassena cultural practices. The Foundation’s sustained involvement was instrumental in the lengthy process to secure the recognition of the Royal Court of Tiébélé by UNESCO. This ongoing support contributed significantly to the recent inscription of the site on the UNESCO World Heritage List, acknowledging its exceptional value as a living cultural ensemble.
ALLOCATED BUDGET FOR 2025
5,500 0.5% Total Amount Awarded €86,540
“Since the inscription of the Royal Court of Tiébélé on the UNESCO World Heritage List, one of the most measurable changes has been the increase in visitor numbers. This contributes to the economy of members of the Court and other indirect beneficiaries around the site, including craftspeople, restaurants, tourist guides and hotels. The Ministry of Culture has announced the implementation of several projects, including the installation of an interpretation Centre and funding for the renovation of the site.”
ABATIDAN CASIMIR NASSARA DIZÉNIDANI ASSOCIATION
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SENEGAL
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP - AWA GUEYE
In 2012, at the age of 16, Awa Gueye benefited from a humanitarian mission carried out by the Cuomo Foundation in partnership with La Chaîne de l’Espoir, during which she underwent surgery for mitral insufficiency performed by Professor Gilles Dreyfus. The operation led to a significant improvement in her health and enabled her to resume her schooling.
The Foundation continued to support her in the following years, providing both financial and moral assistance. Ten years after the operation, Awa obtained a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering and biotechnology from the University of Dakar. In 2021, a second surgical procedure was carried out in Paris in order to adjust her treatment.
In 2022, Awa continued her academic path by joining the Faculty of Science and Technology at Nantes University for the third year of a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology, with financial support from the Foundation to facilitate her relocation and the continuation of her studies.
“The year 2025 was particularly significant in both my university and personal journey. Thanks to the constant support of the Cuomo Foundation, I was able to successfully complete the first year of my Master’s degree in Biology and Health at Nantes University, a decisive step in the continuation of my studies.
The video recording organised by the Cuomo Foundation at Nantes University, intended to retrace my academic and personal journey, was a special moment. It allowed me to share my experience and to bear witness to the concrete impact of the Foundation’s support in the pursuit of my studies.”
AWA GUEYE
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Nantes University Library – December 2025
PREMIO ROMA DANCE COMPETITION
Organised by the Accademia Nazionale di Danza (AND) in Rome, the international “Premio Roma Danza” competition serves as a prominent platform for young dancers from across the globe.
Established in 1948 through the initiative of Jia Ruskaja (1902–1970) and integrated into the Italian university system, the Academy upholds a longstanding tradition of excellence in choreographic education and training.
The Premio Roma Danza competition, inaugurated in 2001, annually recognises dancers who demonstrate a high level of technical and artistic achievement, alternating between performance and choreographic creation categories. To broaden participation and adapt to evolving circumstances, a “video-dance” section was introduced, which enabled remote involvement and ensured the continuity of the competition crucially during the pandemic period.
Since 2019, the Cuomo Foundation has served as the principal sponsor, providing funding for all the individual prizes. The competition has further reinforced its local presence, notably through the introduction in 2021 of a “video-dance” prize, supported by the City of Rome, which highlights the creativity of young artists in relation to their environment.
ALLOCATED BUDGET FOR 2025
“In 2025, the competition was organised around two sections: one devoted to stage performance, the other to the relationship between dance and digital technologies. On the stage of the Teatro Grande, dancers from around the world performed before an international jury composed of company directors, theatre directors and critics, at the invitation of the director, Professor Anna Maria Galeotti. The official sponsor of the event is the Cuomo Foundation, which has supported the Premio Roma with conviction and generosity since 2019 and which, this year once again, funded all the competition prizes.”
PROFESSOR
ANNA MARIA GALEOTTI Director of National Academy of Dance
MULTIDISCIPLINARY
ARTS FESTIVAL
“Itinéraires Artistiques” is an annual arts festival held in Saint-Louis, Senegal, a coastal city recognised for its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Founded in 2013 by contemporary artist Abdoukarim Fall, a member of the Groupe D10 collective, the event brings together artists from various regions of the country each year, providing a platform for the presentation, exchange, and discussion of contemporary Senegalese art. Since 2020, the Cuomo Foundation has supported this initiative, contributing to the promotion of contemporary artistic creation and the strengthening of local cultural engagement. This partnership continues earlier collaborations between the Foundation and Abdoukarim Fall, which began in Monaco (Sene’Gala) and include a major humanitarian project in Dakar (Centre Cardio-Pédiatrique Cuomo), and reflects the Foundation’s commitment to supporting artistic expression and community development.
Above: A group of participants in the 2025 Itinéraires Artistiques programme
Below: Young participants in a creative workshop held during the festival
GRAND CHANCELLERY OF THE LEGION OF HONOUR
The Cuomo Foundation has entered into a partnership with the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honour through two projects.
The “Mémoire de l’honneur” project aims to preserve and promote a major archival heritage held by the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honour. This collection brings together the files of more than two million decorated individuals as well as nearly 60,000 files of pupils from the Maisons d’éducation, constituting an essential source for civil and military history, as well as for sociological and genealogical research. In response to saturated storage spaces and the dispersal of conservation sites, a modernisation programme has been launched, including the securing of documents, their gradual digitisation and the development of consultation tools, with a view to ensuring eventual public access while respecting personal data. In parallel, the Maisons d’éducation of the Legion of Honour continue their educational mission, combining academic rigour and civic training. The Cuomo Foundation has supported the modernisation of the school building at the Maison d’éducation in Saint-Denis, contributing to improved reception and learning conditions for pupils.
ALLOCATED BUDGET FOR 2025
250,000 23%
“When one enters the grounds of the Maison d’éducation of the Legion of Honour in Saint-Denis, one is first struck by the splendour of the historic abbey, a masterpiece of classical architecture. History resonates here, echoing the basilica-necropolis of the kings of France, the former abbey church adjoining the imposing building.
For 220 years, however, another history has been written in this place: that of young girls, descendants of holders of France’s most prestigious distinctions, who attend high school here and sometimes BTS or khâgne classes. Five hundred pupils, all boarders, divide their activities among the different buildings of the site, which are spread across a 16-hectare park. Among these buildings, one occupies a central place in the pupils’ daily lives. It is not so much the former abbey, where they take their meals and access their dormitories, but rather the school building, designed in the 1980s and itself listed as a Historic Monument. The high-school pupils spend up to twelve hours a day there, moving between lessons, study periods, group work, moments of relaxation, and meetings with school-life staff or teachers.
The “school building”, as everyone calls it, is in fact poorly named: while it fulfils its primary vocation of educating pupils, shaping their minds and allowing their talents to emerge, it is above all a place of life and rootedness for the boarders, who are present at their school six days a week.
It was designed in this spirit by distinguished architects, Michel Costantini and Claude Regimbal, who grouped the classrooms around rotundas assigned by year level. Here, it is the teachers who move from room to room to give their lessons, while the pupils benefit from a fixed space of their own, where they can freely store their belongings. One observes among them a strong attachment to their classroom, whose decoration they personalise and where they willingly gather outside lesson time. This habit highlights one of the building’s shortcomings: it no longer meets the pupils’ need for privacy, whether for work or relaxation, nor the developments in teaching practice that require greater modularity. The Cuomo Foundation has fully understood this functional weakness, as well as the urgent need to rethink the building’s technical equipment. With climate disruption, it has indeed become essential to guarantee users a new level of thermal and sanitary comfort.
The renovation of the school building at the Maison d’éducation will have to be carried out in phases, both to allow the continued use of the site and to facilitate the search for patrons needed to finance the work. In this major project, the Cuomo Foundation is supporting the Grand Chancellery with remarkable generosity and a genuine spirit of partnership. May it be thanked many times over.”
ALICE BOUTEILLE
HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP, THE GRAND CHANCELLERY OF THE LEGION OF HONOUR
Guests attending the official unveiling ceremony held in honour of supporters and sponsors
BURKINA FASO
SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SAMU SOCIAL INTERNATIONAL
In 2022, Samusocial Burkina Faso (SSBF), in partnership with Samusocial International, initiated the construction of an accommodation centre in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, for children and young people experiencing homelessness or at risk of family separation.
This initiative is part of a three-year programme supported by the Department of International Cooperation of the Prince’s Government and the Cuomo Foundation, which seeks to enhance child protection in a context marked by multiple crises. The programme encompasses the establishment of an emergency reception and accommodation centre, support for displaced families with children, and the implementation of mechanisms designed to facilitate a sustainable transition away from street life, including family reintegration, schooling, and vocational training. The centre offers 20 accommodation places and provides for essential needs through a comprehensive array of services, including medical, psychosocial, and educational support. Additionally, a day-care system enables approximately 60 children and young people to receive assistance.
The Cuomo Foundation’s contribution in 2022–2023 made possible the acquisition of land and the commencement of construction, thereby helping to secure the long-term continuity of SSBF’s activities.
ALLOCATED BUDGET FOR 2025
Francisco A. Diaz Lison of the Cuomo Foundation with Yordanos Pasquier, Programmes Coordinator / Head of the North Africa and Mediterranean Region of Monegasque Cooperation for Development
OCEANOGRAPHIC
INSTITUTE OF MONACO
Founded by Prince Albert I of Monaco in 1906, the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco has, since its inception, embodied the Principality’s commitment to ocean preservation and to increasing public awareness of the critical challenges associated with marine environmental protection.
Within this context, the “Oceano for All - Competition” programme, part of the “Oceano Jeunesse” initiative, is designed to engage young people with ocean-related issues. Beginning with the 2025/2026 edition, the programme’s activities have been refocused on the Mediterranean region, aligning with the Institute’s strategic objectives regarding the development and management of Marine Protected Areas. The Cuomo Foundation has entered a three-year partnership with the Institute, formalised through an agreement signed on 28 May ,2025 at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. The programme includes participation from classes in five Mediterranean countries, providing them with structured educational support. Additionally, two groups of children from Foundation-supported projects in Italy and India were included in the initiative. Multimedia rooms were established in Rome and Kovalam (Tamil Nadu), allowing students to participate in online sessions under appropriate conditions, supported by dedicated educational teams.
BUDGET FOR
EDUCATION
RE.GENERATION
The “Re.Generation – Future Leaders Programme,” organised by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, aims to nurture a new generation of leaders committed to tackling pressing issues of our time, with a strong focus on environmental conservation. The initiative is supported by private partners, including the Cuomo Foundation, whose involvement reflects its ongoing dedication to protecting the environment.
Through an international selection process, young professionals under the age of 35 who have already demonstrated excellence in their respective fields are invited to participate in a two-week training campus in Monaco. This intensive programme integrates round tables, masterclasses, practical workshops, and thematic visits, within an educational framework developed in cooperation with the University of Edinburgh and INSEAD.
Upon completion of the programme, participants receive ongoing support for one year, which includes mentoring and opportunities to attend international events. The overall pathway is intended to enhance their skills, facilitate their integration into decision-making networks, and encourage their involvement in initiatives with a global reach.
Left to right in the photo: Mr. Dominic Moross- Private Patron, Mr. Francisco A. Diaz Lison- Cuomo Foundation, Mr. Olivier Wenden- Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and Mr. Majid BoustanyBoustany Foundation, attending the partnership signing on May 15, 2023, at the headquarters of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. © 2023 FPA2
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP - STELLA ALMONDO
Since 2023, the Cuomo Foundation has provided financial support to young pianist Stella Almondo as she develops her career, helping her manage both her artistic progression and her academic commitments.
During this supportive period, Ms Almondo has reached several key milestones, including the recording and release of her debut album, “Passion,” on the Naïve/Believe label. She has also been recognised as a “Young Artist” by Steinway & Sons. In addition, she has performed recitals across Europe at a range of venues and festivals and has taken part in audiovisual projects that further contribute to her artistic profile. Ms Almondo continues her musical training at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris and the École Normale Alfred Cortot, while also successfully completing her formal education. The Foundation’s support is part of its broader commitment to encouraging artistic excellence and promoting the development of young talent internationally.
BURKINA FASO
EDUCATION
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP - SAIDOU HASSANE
Originally from Burkina Faso, Saidou Hassane is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Regional and Territorial Development at the Université du Québec à Rimouski, Canada. Since 2023, he has received financial support from the Cuomo Foundation as part of his academic work. The Foundation has a history of supporting a range of projects and initiatives in Burkina Faso.
Mr Hassane’s research explores the impacts of armed conflict on agropastoral systems in the Sahel region of Burkina Faso over the past decade. This study is situated within a context of deteriorating security, leading to population displacement and changes in local dynamics.
His earlier involvement focused on empowerment and social reintegration initiatives, but his work has since developed to address the effects of conflict and its territorial implications. Having validated his thesis project in 2024, Mr Hassane is now preparing for field data collection.
The Cuomo Foundation’s financial support contributes to applied research that aims to promote development and resilience in a region significantly affected by present-day crises.
Mr Saidou Hassane in Rimouski, Canada
FRANCE
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP -
FAUSTINE BLANCHARD
After completing her baccalaureate with honours at the Maison d’éducation de la Légion d’honneur in Saint-Denis, Faustine Blanchard received support from the Cuomo Foundation to undertake vocal studies at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels.
Now in her second year of undergraduate study at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels, Ms Blanchard continues her training in classical singing with commitment. She was selected by audition to participate in three departmental projects during the current academic year. The first project involved collaboration with the early music ensemble Collegium Musicum, conducted by Bernard Woltèche. The ensemble travelled to Weimar, Germany, where they performed concerts and experienced the acoustics of German Protestant churches, recreating the musical setting envisaged by Johann Sebastian Bach for his cantatas. This project provided a significant learning experience, furthering her interest in Bach’s instrumental and vocal repertoire.
“Currently in the second year of my Bachelor’s degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels, I am pursuing my studies in classical singing with seriousness and motivation! I was fortunate to be selected, by audition, for three projects in the singing department this year. The first was at the beginning of the year with the early music ensemble Collegium Musicum, conducted by Bernard Woltèche. We travelled to Weimar, Germany, to give concerts and enjoy the wonderful acoustics of German Protestant churches, thereby coming as close as possible, musically, to the sound Johann Sebastian Bach imagined when composing his cantatas. It was a wonderful experience, during which I developed a real passion for Bach’s instrumental and vocal music.”
FAUSTINE BLANCHARD
I CERCHI MAGICI
Since 2024, the Cuomo Foundation has supported the Roman association “I Cerchi Magici,” a socio-cultural organisation established in 2005 that promotes popular arts and traditions, with a particular emphasis on music, theatre, and dance. This partnership has enabled the creation of two inclusive programmes: an orchestra and a theatre company, both of which are open to all children and young people—including those from disadvantaged urban backgrounds and those with disabilities—and are provided free of charge.
In a setting marked by considerable social diversity and the presence of vulnerable groups, these initiatives offer opportunities for learning, self-expression, and social integration. The inclusive orchestra, built on accessible music education, has steadily broadened its participation and now serves as a platform for intercultural exchange and personal growth. At the same time, the theatre company allows young participants to experience performing arts for the first time, engaging with contemporary social themes through collaborative artistic projects.
An end-of-year performance showcased the skills developed during these workshops and played a role in raising public awareness of issues affecting young people facing barriers to participation. This event also reinforced the educational and social aims of the initiative.
ALLOCATED BUDGET FOR 2025
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP -
FAUSTINA HANNA
Faustina Hanna is a recipient of an individual scholarship from the Cuomo Foundation, reflecting its ongoing commitment to facilitating access to higher education for young people—especially young women—in challenging socio-economic environments.
Originally from Chennai, South India, Ms Hanna is pursuing studies in computer engineering at Panimalar Engineering College. Her academic progress takes place in a context where higher education is a significant factor in the empowerment of young women traditionally facing limited opportunities. Since beginning her studies, Ms Hanna has demonstrated steady progress, having successfully completed her initial examinations and actively participated in academic activities, including a technological innovation competition (“Ideathon”), where she contributed to the development of sensor-based leak-management systems. The financial assistance provided by the Cuomo Foundation enables her to continue her studies in supportive conditions. This grant forms part of the Foundation’s broader strategy to promote the academic and professional advancement of emerging talent, with particular attention to the advancement of young women in environments where access to education can remain a challenge.
THE TRANSFORMATIVE ROLE OF EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT IN SHAPING MY ACADEMIC JOURNEY
By Faustina Hanna, Scholarship Awardee
Education is often described as the most powerful tool for personal and social transformation. For students from modest backgrounds, however, access to quality education is not always guaranteed. My academic journey stands as a clear example of how timely institutional support can bridge this gap and enable students to realize their potential. The involvement of the Foundation in my education has had a profound and lasting impact on both my academic development and personal growth.
I come from a family where financial resources were limited, and supporting a household of seven presented ongoing challenges. Although my parents worked hard to meet our basic needs, sustaining higher education alongside family responsibilities was not easy. Financial uncertainty often created obstacles that could have disrupted my academic continuity. In this context, external educational support became essential in enabling me to pursue my studies with focus and stability.
From the early stages of my studies, I was motivated to pursue higher education with determination and purpose. Yet, like many students, financial constraints posed a significant challenge. The Foundation’s support arrived at a critical moment, relieving a major burden and allowing me to focus fully on my studies. This assistance was not merely financial; it represented trust, encouragement, and belief in my abilities, which strengthened my confidence and sense of responsibility.
In addition to supporting my degree course, the Foundation also provided essential academic resources, including a laptop—an indispensable tool for a Computer Science and Engineering student. Access to this technology enabled me to practice programming, develop academic projects, attend virtual sessions, and strengthen my technical foundation. It also supported my participation in career-building training, which enhanced my professional readiness and practical understanding beyond the classroom.
Through this support, during my first year I participated in an ideathon competition with a project on smart water management, where I was selected as a finalist. I also completed an internship in web application development, gaining valuable industry exposure. Building on this experience, I received an opportunity to further develop my project in my second year and took the initiative to pursue a patent for the same. Alongside this, I completed certification courses in cybersecurity and plan to continue strengthening my technical skills in the coming years.
Beyond academics, the Foundation’s involvement reshaped my understanding of education as a collective effort supported by institutions committed to social progress. Today, I carry forward the values reinforced through this support—perseverance, accountability, and service. The Foundation’s involvement did not simply help me pursue a degree; it equipped me with the tools, skills, and confidence necessary to build a meaningful and responsible career. I remain deeply appreciative of this support and confident that its impact will continue to guide my journey ahead.
INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIP - NEHA ELENA
Neha Elena, a high-achieving student from Chennai, secured admission to the prestigious Sathyabama University to study Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.
Despite her academic merit, she faced financial barriers that threatened her ability to enrol. In line with its ongoing commitment to supporting young women in achieving their educational ambitions, the Cuomo Foundation provided a scholarship that enabled her to begin her studies. With this support, Neha Elena successfully completed her first year and is now continuing into her second year. She plans to pursue her studies to the master’s level and aims for a professional career in artificial intelligence.
ALLOCATED BUDGET FOR 2025
4,000 0.4%
Total Amount Awarded €4,000
SENEGAL
ECO-FRIENDLY FARM
The Cuomo Foundation supports an agricultural project located in Lompoul, north-western Senegal, with the objective of rehabilitating a degraded farm and transforming it into a model of modern and responsible agriculture. Implemented in partnership with GIE Gankal, represented by Mr. Amadou Makhouredia Diop, the initiative focuses on restoring infrastructure and installing appropriate equipment, integrating innovation, the valorisation of local resources, and respect for natural balances.
The project aims to develop diversified, high-quality agricultural production—including fruit, vegetables, cereals, as well as meat and milk—primarily for local markets, with the potential for wider recognition through labelling procedures that ensure quality and traceability. The initiative is conducted in a particularly challenging environment characterised by arid climate and sparse vegetation, imparting an experimental and exemplary dimension to the project. Beyond its economic objectives, the project carries a social ambition by contributing to job creation, the enhancement of food security, and the dissemination of agricultural practices adapted to local conditions.
ALLOCATED BUDGET FOR 2025
The Cuomo Foundation has approved an overall budget of €27,000 for this project, divided into two phases. The first phase, now complete, used about 41.5% of the budget (€11,200) to drill a borehole, install a solar power system and pumps, build fencing and a basin, and carry out essential labour. The second phase, currently underway and set for completion in May 2026, covers land preparation, installation of irrigation, purchase of seeds and plants, renovation of buildings and storage areas, acquisition of equipment, and initial operating costs.
Secondly, the Foundation is providing technical expertise through the involvement of Dr. Siméon Diedhiou, a young researcher in agricultural sciences who has been supported since 2023 within the scholarship programme of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. His voluntary engagement contributes to the implementation and guidance of the project. An initial on-site mission enabled a comprehensive diagnosis to be established and operational directions to be defined.
Dr Siméon Diedhiou and Amadou Makhouredia Diop at the eco-friendly farm in Lompoul, Senegal – December 2025
BOARD MEMBERS 2025
Maria Elena Cuomo President
Bettina Ragazzoni Treasurer
Anne-Marie Fissore Board Member
Peter Hungerbuhler Secretary
Gilles Dreyfus Board Member
24 YEARS OF ACTION IN THE PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO AND AROUND THE WORLD
“At the Cuomo Foundation, it is the stories of individuals—students overcoming odds, families and communities striving for a better future—that give us strength and inspiration. We remain an independent philanthropic organisation, and we are proud to fund all our projects solely from our own resources, without relying on public fundraising. This allows us stay flexible, to respond quickly, and remain true to our values, whatever changes may come in this world.”