Global Philanthropy
: : Global Philanthropy Prize : :
The Raymond Georis Prize for Innovative Philanthropy in Europe was established by The Mercator Fund to reward an individual, organisation, foundation or project which has conceived and implemented an outstanding and innovative philanthropic programme in Europe.
It is anticipated that the project will have a high impact result and will express a strong belief in the role of Europe and European values in philanthropy. The Prize Ceremony is to take place every year at the European Foundation Centre's General Assembly.
2011 Georis Prize recipient - Dr Bassma Kodmani, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative
At an award ceremony attended by His Excellency Aníbal António Cavaco Silva, President of Portugal, a prize honouring outstanding contributions to European philanthropy was given today to Dr Bassma Kodmani, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative, an organisation supporting democratic reform in the Arab region.
The 2011 Raymond Georis Prize for Innovative Philanthropy in Europe was presented at the 22nd Annual General Assembly of the European Foundation Centre (EFC) in Cascais, Portugal. His Excellency Aníbal António Cavaco Silva made the keynote speech at the Opening Plenary of the event during which the award ceremony took place.
“In the context of the Arab Spring, the organisation that Dr Kodmani leads - the Arab Reform Initiative - is now perceived as a key regional institution to support the transition processes and nurture new civil society initiatives,” said Norine MacDonald QC, President of the NEF-Mercator Fund, organisers of the Prize. “Born in Syria and living in France, Dr Kodmani’s dual cultural background gives her a unique understanding of Arab and European cultures and ways of thinking, coupled with a personal and professional ability to straddle boundaries.”
> 2011 Recipient: Dr Bassma Kodmani, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative
> 2010 Recipient: Mr Mo Ibrahim, Founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation
> 2009 Recipient: Ms Guler Sabanci, President of the Sabanci Foundation
> 2007 Recipient: Mr Ray Murphy, senior adviser with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
> 2006 Recipient: Ms Kristina Persson, Founder of the Swedish Stiftelsen Frejas fund
> 2004 Recipient: Ms. Avila Kilmurray, Director of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland
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