EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION
ARTS AND CULTURE
HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT
Supporting education, sciences and culture
for a better, more sustainable and diverse world
Who we are
Andrey and Irina Rappoport are philanthropists who have been regularly contributing part of their wealth to educational, cultural and social projects, and charitable institutions. They started their philanthropic activity more than 20 years ago and eventually decided to establish their family foundation and a number of charity organizations to contribute in a more systemic and impactful way.
Andrey Rappoport is an entrepreneur and a private investor with vast experience in managing and structuring large businesses. He has always been keen on charity and philanthropy and eager to contribute to the development of foundations, projects and initiatives not only with his money, but also with his time and expertise. His major focus areas have always been education, applied sciences and healthcare.
Irina, his wife, started her philanthropy efforts with providing scholarships to talented arts students as well as with giving grants to cultural institutions to promote and popularize art. Over the years of support, she helped numerous graduates to successfully start their professional pathways.
The family lives in Switzerland but their philanthropic projects expand beyond the country.
From the founders
We are privileged to support organizations, projects, and individuals who focus their efforts on making a positive impact on our communities and society in general, to make our world a better place to live for us and our children.
Andrey and Irina Rappoport
“We believe in a better and harmonious future for the world where our children and grandchildren will live”
Education
We believe in the transformative power of education, and we dedicate our efforts to provide financial support, mentoring, and educational opportunities, to overcome social barriers and make sure that more children have access to quality education and learning resources.
The Foundation not only supports educational projects in general but also has a specific focus on providing access to top-level education to talented students regardless of their socioeconomic background. Other areas of interest include post-graduate education and training initiatives, college and career readiness, and programs that enhance competences of teachers and other professionals in public schools.
One of the most impactful projects in education is the Moscow School of Management Skolkovo, one of the largest and the most innovative private business schools in Russia, where Andrey Rappoport was one of the founders. He joined the project at the initial stage with his strong belief in the idea, served as the second President of the school for a number of years and later became a board member of the Moscow School of Management Skolkovo where he served until March 2022. During his tenure, he was giving lectures on business leadership and crisis management to the MBA and Executive MBA students and provided project mentorship. This past experience enhances effective management and project development of educational initiatives within the Foundation.
Scientific Innovation
Previously both Andrey and Irina Rappoport provided their personal grants for individuals and research centers that demonstrated passion for scientific exploration and innovation. Nowadays, the Foundation continues funding research scholarships and giving grants to enable young scientists and educational organizations to pursue their studies and conduct research.
The Foundation recognizes the potential of technology to revolutionize the learning experience, making it more interactive, accessible and engaging by creating and implementing innovative educational tools and platforms that enhance the learning process, and makes every effort to support it. To advance sustainable practices in both private and public sectors, the Foundation provides funding to research projects that explore new management approaches, organizational strategies and social frameworks.
By supporting scientific innovation and research, we try to play a role in driving discoveries, advancements, and societal improvements, and to create an environment that fosters creativity and intellectual growth.
Additionally,
the Foundation recognizes the importance of management and sociological research in improving the efficiency of various economic and social institutions. The Foundation supports research projects that explore new management approaches, organizational strategies, and sociological frameworks that can lead to improved efficiency, productivity, and sustainable practices. By investing in this area, the Foundation aims to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the development of best practices that can drive positive change in both private and public sectors.
Arts and Culture
Arts and culture hold a special place within the scope of the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts.
The Foundation seeks to preserve and celebrate cultural diversity, teaching children to appreciate their roots and develop a strong sense of identity. This includes supporting initiatives that introduce children to traditional art forms, such as music, dance, theater and visual arts, rooted in their local cultural heritage.
Moreover, the Foundation acknowledges the importance of community engagement and collaboration via partnerships with local artists, cultural organizations, and community leaders to ensure that initiatives align with the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. These efforts are implemented in the form of music festivals, theatre productions, and art exhibitions where people of different ages, religions and social status can come together and share common experiences.
Irina and Andrey recognize the importance of harmonious education and well-being, and believe in the power of practices, such as meditation and mindfulness, that promote people’s self-sufficiency, ensuring not only intellectual growth but also emotional balance.
Social and Humanitarian Initiatives
In addition to its commitment to education, science, arts, and culture, The Andrey and Irina Rappoport Foundation extends its philanthropic efforts to respond to the urgent needs of individuals and communities in their most challenging times to provide them with essential humanitarian aid.
In this respect the Foundation collaborates with humanitarian organizations, local partners, and relief agencies to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most.
Other projects
Through its support for refugees in war-conflict zones, the Foundation demonstrates the deep sense of compassion and solidarity. By standing alongside those who have been forcibly displaced, the Foundation strives to make a positive impact, offering humanitarian assistance and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.
In supporting refugees, the Foundation recognizes the urgent need to address the immediate challenges faced by these individuals and also advocates for global efforts to address the root causes of displacement, promote peace and work towards long-lasting solutions. By combining immediate aid with long-term support, the Foundation strives to create a more inclusive and compassionate world for refugees and their host communities alike.
The Foundation pays special attention to the needs of refugees and recognizes the importance of sustainability in addressing their problems. In addition to immediate aid, the Foundation supports initiatives that focus on long-term empowerment and self-sufficiency for displaced individuals and communities. These can include vocational training programs, entrepreneurship support and educational opportunities that equip refugees with skills and resources to rebuild their lives and contribute to their host communities.
Also,
Following the family traditions the Foundation has a long and proud history of supporting the Jewish community and their rabbis who try to improve the lives of their constituents and local communities.
Due to his roots and background Andrey has always paid a special attention to family and community values related to Judaism. He was on the foundation committee of the Russian Jewish Congress that was established with the major aim to run not-for-profit programs to support the local communities that lacked resources.
The current programs of the Foundation’s support are mainly focused in Portugal, Israel, and Spain.