ATHENS – Following recent serious allegations regarding the Greek nonprofit organization Ark of the World, all of us at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) wish to express our sadness and deep concern about possible abusive behavior, of any kind, against children. We are also concerned by the actions of isolated individuals that degrade the spirit of philanthropy.

Since inception, SNF has evaluated and approved grants based on their potential for impact in society by improving human life, considering how each applicant organization operates and their ability to carry out the work they propose. In this context, two grants totaling €2.425 million were evaluated and approved for the nonprofit Ark of the World. The first, a €425,000 grant in 2008, was allocated for the purchase of an additional floor in the organization’s building. The second, a €2 million grant in 2012, went toward the renovation and outfitting of a building to serve as a shelter for people experiencing homelessness and women, children, and infants who had survived abuse, as well as to offer a multi-purpose space providing social, psychological, and professional services to single mothers and families in Greece from low-income and immigrant backgrounds.

During the process of our evaluation of the organization, we examined its financial and employment data in full and nothing unusual or irregular came up. As we do with every grant, we also ensured that all funds were disbursed with full transparency to cover appropriate and approved expenses for specific purposes, accompanied by the corresponding supporting documents. At the time, we—as did the many other organizations and institutions that supported Ark of the World—deemed our support a contribution to an essential cause: providing care and protection to mothers and children in need.

We will continue to follow developments closely and trust that the justice system will follow through to address any possible criminal acts that have taken place. We hope that the people who have sought aid from this organization are able to continue accessing the services they need.

Source: SNF