From saving the oceans to supporting children around the world, the real joy of the festive season is the opportunity to give back philanthropically to your cause of choice. Here are five foundations to start with.
The festive season may be a time to gift your nearest and dearest, but giving should not stop with family and friends. The year-end is the perfect time to reflect on what’s really important and align your actions with your values. Whether that’s the preservation of the oceans upon which you’ve spent many weeks sailing your yacht, or the protection of children around the world, there are plenty of causes in need of support. As well as offering a feeling of goodwill, philanthropy creates a genuine sense of accomplishment, especially when your efforts make a major difference in your area of passion. With the festive season upon us, we highlight fi ve key foundations and charities making a real impact in the world—and the local initiatives to get involved with going into 2025.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
For HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, giving back is in his “destiny”. The Prince is a long-term, vocal patron of myriad charitable initiatives—including many of those mentioned in this magazine—across several areas of interest, from the environment and sustainability to humanitarian issues and child welfare. In 2006, he strengthened his philanthropic commitments by launching an eponymous foundation with the intention of promoting and developing innovative ways of driving positive change for the nature world.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is a global non-profit organisation committed to “progressing planetary health for present and future generations”. It co-creates and supports hundreds of projects around the world based on three principal domains of action—climate change, biodiversity and water resources—in areas across the Mediterranean basin and the polar regions, as well as the world’s least developed countries.
The foundation has already granted €110 million to fund more than 785 projects in collaboration with 110 partners across the globe. Currently, there are around 13 active initiatives tackling everything from climate change and biodiversity preservation to deforestation and water resources.
“To save our planet, to change a system that destroys it step by step, we will need all the ideas, all the willings, all the mobilisable means,” says HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. “We will need to multiply the initiatives, from the most confidential to the most global ones, from the most classical to the most innovative ones. And we will need to do everything to convince the world to change with us.”
One of the ways the foundation promotes change is through initiatives such as Monaco Ocean Week, an annual conference bringing together leading experts and innovators in ocean preservation. It’s also involved with programmes such as the Monaco Blue Initiative, a debate platform for major players in ocean conversation and governance; the Blue Solutions Hub, a space for entrepreneurs, philanthropists and investors to accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions; ReOcean Fund, a private equity fund dedicated to life below water; and Re.Generation’s Future Leaders programme.
“This is our destiny today, the destiny of our generations: taking these problems head-on, to save this planet before it is too late,” the Prince continues. “It is our responsibility and that is why we are here.”
Philanthropists wishing to get involved can submit donations through the foundation’s website or contact the team to discuss fundraising or providing support and expertise to the foundation’s various meaningful projects.
Caudwell Children
British entrepreneur John Caudwell is one of the world’s busiest philanthropists. Known as Britain’s “most charitable man”, Caudwell’s approach to philanthropy isn’t one of passive donations. His charity work is driven by a belief in direct, measurable impact —a value embedded in the DNA of his foundation Caudwell Children.
The organisation is dedicated to creating a more inclusive world for disabled and autistic children. It provides a wide range of practical and emotional support services ranging from treatment to therapy for children with complex needs and their families, alleviating financial pressures, advocating for policy change and, as Caudwell puts it, “offering hope”.
Since his early years, Caudwell has been attuned to the disparities in access to opportunity and resources. “I know what it’s like to work from the ground up,” he says, recalling his modest upbringing in Stokeon- Trent, England. His journey building Phones 4u, which he sold in 2006 for £1.5 billion (€1.8 billion), is well-documented, yet Caudwell remains grounded by his roots. “Success should mean more than personal gain,” he reflects. “It’s an opportunity—no, a responsibility—to do something meaningful.”
His commitment to philanthropy was solidified when he joined The Giving Pledge, vowing to donate at least 70 per cent of his fortune during his lifetime and afterwards. Knowing Monaco is the ideal setting for a philanthropic gathering, Caudwell’s partner Modesta Vžesniauskaitè chose the Principality as the host of its spectacular annual fundraising event, The Butterfly Ball Monaco, which she organises with the support of the Caudwell Children team.
This year, the ball took place at the Hotel de Paris on October 9th, and thanks to the generosity of an elite guest list of philanthropists and sponsors from across the globe, raised €1.6 million. “People are drawn to Monaco, but there’s a lot more good work happening here than meets the eye,” Caudwell says. “Events like The Butterfly Ball are a reminder that luxury and charity aren’t mutually exclusive.”
The ball’s funds go towards the charity’s initiatives, expanding its therapeutic services and assisting even more families affected by disabilities. “It’s a win-win,” he says. “People come here, enjoy themselves, and contribute to a cause that makes a real difference in children’s lives.” Next year will be the ball’s 10th edition, so guests can expect an even greater celebration—interested attendees can leave their details on the Caudwell Children website.
Philanthropists interested in participating in a collaborative way can apply to join Caudwell’s Life-Changer Circle, made up of an intimate group of humanitarians who share his and his family’s passion to use their privileged resources to make a difference to people’s lives. Membership requires a commitment to donate a minimum of £100,000 (€120,000) per annum to Caudwell Children for at least a decade. Members —who include Quentin Esme Brown, Graeme and Leanne Carling, and Rishi and Hetal Patel—receive a dedicated plaque at Caudwell International Children’s Centre, VIP access to the charity’s black-tie events in Monaco and London, and invites to intimate dinners at Caudwell’s private residences around the world.
“Whether it’s helping children or tackling climate change, we all have a part to play,” Caudwell says. “Wealth gives you the power to do remarkable things. The question is: how will you use it?”
Blue Marine Foundation
In Monaco and the Côte d’Azur, we are blessed with the opportunity to live by the sea. But such a privilege should come with a responsibility to protect the waters we enjoy every day. Blue Marine is a charity that aims to do exactly that by addressing one of the world’s biggest environmental problems: overfishing. Its mission is to see at least 30 percent of the world’s ocean under effective protection by 2030—and the other 70 percent managed in a responsible way.
“Our vision is a healthy ocean forever, for everyone,” says Sara-Jane Skinner, head of partnerships at the Blue Marine Foundation. “We are dedicated to creating marine reserves, restoring vital habitats and establishing models of sustainable fishing. We combine ‘topdown’ intervention to improve marine governance, and ‘bottom-up’ support to local communities who are at the front line of ocean conservation.”
The charity takes an intervention-style approach in its goal to create marine protected areas and restore marine habitats. “We work in partnership with local communities and NGOs in our project locations,” Skinner says. “We use innovative media to raise awareness, and policy and legal interventions to galvanise change. We use our networks to raise funding which we deploy where it will have the greatest impact.”
Since the organisation was founded in 2010, it has secured commitments to protect over 4 million km² of ocean, with more than 70 projects in 31 countries. Greece is the target of one of its current initiatives. The country has some of the richest and most diverse marine ecosystems in Europe but, according to reports, it also has the fastest-deteriorating environment and the poorest marine conservation in the continent. The charity has partnered with local groups to set up an ambitious conservation programme to restore the Greek seas to health by establishing marine protected areas in key locations, including the islands of Amorgos, Formikula and Santorini.
To fundraise, the charity organises fun-filled, interactive events such the London to Monaco bike ride. Founded in 2016 in partnership with Winch Design, the multi-day event takes oceanloving cycling enthusiasts on a cross- Europe journey, ending in Monaco just in time for the prestigious Monaco Yacht Show. Sponsors and riders—including many famous faces and royalty—have raised over €3 million to date.
Philanthropists looking to make a greater difference can join Blue Marine Yacht Club (BMYC). Launched by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco in 2012, the virtual club unites the world’s yachting community who share a passion to protect the oceans. Fuelled by yacht owners and companies, the BMYC provides a tiered membership platform: the more a member commits annually, the more influence they have over the projects being supported. Membership starts from £25,000 (€30,000) and rises to £250,000 (€300,000) for three-star members, which include Peter Lürssen, CEO of Lürssen, and Philipp Maracke, CEO of Nobiskrug.
Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation
As a former Olympian and world champion swimmer, HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco has been passionate about swimming since she was a child. But numerous times while growing up in South Africa, she witnessed the devastating reality of drowning, realising that many children are not prepared to face water hazards.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning is a major public health concern, causing 2.5 million deaths over the last decade alone. Drowning is also one of the top 10 causes of death among children in many countries. In 2012, the Princess decided to do something about it by launching an eponymous foundation that’s dedicated to saving lives by educating children around the world about water safety and the values of sport.
“Too many children die from drowning every year because they do not know how to swim, even though just a few lessons could save their lives and make them feel more confident in the water,” says the Princess. “I created my foundation to offer children better opportunities, show them the way through the values of sport and solidarity, and reduce deaths by drowning worldwide. Together, we can prevent drowning and secure a future for our children.”
Since 2012, the foundation has implemented over 600 projects in 44 countries across the globe, reaching more than two million single beneficiaries through three programmes: Learn to Swim, Water Safety and Sport & Education. The latter organises sporting events in collaboration with ambassadors such as F1 driver Charles Leclerc and tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas, with the aim of encouraging the practice of sport for all.
“As an Olympic athlete, I had the chance to recognise the positive impact that sport can have on an individual,” the Princess continues. “Sport inspires us and gives us hope. It can unite people and countries. Teaching children the values of discipline, teamwork and respect for oneself and others will enable them to lead safe, fulfilled lives.”
Locally, the foundation organises spectacular fundraising events including the Riviera Water Bike Challenge and the Princess of Monaco Cup golf tournament. It also hosts the event of the festive season, the Bal de Noël Monte-Carlo, every December. Organised by 5 Stars Events, the 2024 edition will take place on December 7th at Hôtel de Paris and promises an unmissable, magical affair inspired by the City of Lights. Tickets and tables can be purchased through the website.
Monaco Red Cross
The Red Cross is one of the most globally renowned humanitarian organisations in existence. Devoted to helping people impacted by natural disasters, armed conflicts and displacements of populations, the international charity is supported by Red Cross societies around the world, including here in Monaco.
Founded by Prince Louis II in 1948 and now presided over by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Monegasque Red Cross is one of the 191 national societies belonging to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). It follows initiatives implemented by the great humanist Henry Dunant—founder of the Red Cross—and adheres to the organisation’s seven fundamental principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
“Locally, our company has never stopped supporting the most destitute and goes on providing its help day after day, following the seven fundamental principles of the Red Cross, with the help of its volunteers,” says HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. “I invite you to rally to our side to ensure the continued existence of our actions and allow the realisation of our future projects.”
One of the ways in which local people can get involved is by supporting fundraising events such as the Monaco Red Cross Gala. One of the pinnacle events of the summer, the prestigious gala, which has taken place every July since 1948, is a star-studded affair with fine dining and musical entertainment—in recent years, international superstars including Jamiroquai, Robbie Williams and Alicia Keys have taken to the stage— as well as an exclusive auction raising funds to support the work of the foundation. It’s an unmissable event and, with only 800 tickets available, it’s never too soon to secure your place.
