The Bodossaki Foundation, based in Athens on Amalias Avenue in a building completed in 1958, operates as one of Greece's largest privately owned public benefit organizations. Established in 1972 or 1973 to perpetuate the philanthropy of industrialist Prodromos Bodossakis Athanassiades, it channels his legacy from ventures like the Hellenic Powder and Cartridge Company, wool mills, chemical plants, and mining operations into societal support. Bodossakis, who settled in Greece in 1923 after meeting Eleftherios Venizelos, built enterprises employing thousands before donating Cypriot assets to that government in 1960.
The foundation focuses on four pillars: education, healthcare, environmental protection, and civil society empowerment, a fourth area added in 2012 amid economic challenges. It has disbursed over 470 million euros since inception, including more than 1,000 grants and 2,500 scholarships. Beyond its endowment, it manages funds from international bodies, corporations, and individuals, serving as operator for programs like the EEA and Norway Grants' "We are all Citizens," which allocated 12 million euros for 120 civil society projects by 2024.
Recent initiatives include the "Building a robust and democratic civic space" program with EU funding to bolster civil society in Greece and Cyprus, and a partnership with Fondation CHANEL supporting up to 27 organizations for gender equality and women's empowerment through open calls. During the refugee crisis, it raised 500,000 euros for shelters housing 374 unaccompanied minors. Independent of political or religious ties, the foundation emphasizes transparency in addressing Greece's social needs.