The Foundation carried out initiatives with a meaningful social impact, focusing on four pillars.
ENA Foundation was created to serve as a meaningful vehicle for social contribution and empowerment in Cyprus. It is an organisation that aims for long-term social change by investing in people and projects that create lasting social impact. The ENA Foundation is an initiative of the entrepreneur Tasos Papanastasiou, with Christiana Panayi as co-founder and visionary behind it.
Both of them, with a deep belief in the concept of collective contribution, wanted to create a foundation dedicated to society.
“For me, success has value only when you share it. ENA Foundation was born from the need to offer practical support to people with dreams who need an opportunity. Change does not come through words, but through actions, and if we manage to change the life of even one person, then we have achieved something truly worthwhile,” notes Mr Papanastasiou.
In its first year of operation, the Foundation implemented initiatives with a substantial social impact, with a focus on four pillars:
Beyond the Medal: Supporting our athletes
Beyond the Medal was designed to support athletes at Olympic and Paralympic level, both on and off the field of competition, putting into practice the concept of a “dual career.” The programme helps athletes effectively combine elite sport with their studies, providing both coverage for their athletic preparation and financial support for tuition expenses, so that they can excel in both areas.
The athletes who joined the programme in 2025 are: Andreas Beros, Iosif Kesidis, Konstantina Georgiou, Marios Georgiou, Markos Kontopoulos, Marilena Makri, Milan Trajkovic, and Natasa Lappa. For 2026, the Foundation aims to include three new athletes in the programme and to inform young people about the concept of a dual career.
Grants for Change: Funding projects with social impact
The Grants for Change programme is an open call for proposals from NGOs (non-profit organisations) in Cyprus on the theme of empowering vulnerable groups. The first funding cycle attracted 40+ applications from 80+ organisations, aiming to support initiatives with measurable and sustainable results.
The three winning teams of the first cycle for 2025 are:
- ACCESS+ (organisations: Ablebook & Ena Emeis), aiming to strengthen accessibility and the equal participation of persons with disabilities.
- PLAYSCAPE (organisations: Urban Gorillas & Gardens of the Future), where a model playground will be designed with children at the centre of every stage of its creation.
- “Women for the Green Transition” (organisations: Laona Foundation & Larnaca Rural Women’s Association), which promotes sustainable environmental practices and green entrepreneurship among women in rural areas.
A new call for proposals is expected to begin at the end of February, with a renewed submission process.
Envision Together: Creating public spaces with social benefit
The third pillar concerns the creation and upgrading of parks and shared public infrastructure, approaching public space as a place for meeting, social interaction, and strengthening social cohesion. In this context, two major projects have already been set in motion and will be announced during 2026.
Support for children with rare diseases, cancer, and leukaemia
With deep sensitivity towards fellow human beings, and especially children, the ENA Foundation made significant donations in 2025 to organisations that support children with rare diseases, cancer, and leukaemia.
The Foundation supported organisations that provide substantial and proven work:
- BeBrave – Parents’ & Friends’ Association of the Paediatric Oncology Unit: Donation to support children and families who are battling cancer.
- “One Dream, One Wish”: Donation to fulfil children’s wishes, offering moments of joy, relief, and strength.
Offering support to fellow human beings is a core value for the founders of the ENA Foundation, who remain personally committed to supporting Cypriot society. During 2026, the Foundation will announce additional targeted initiatives, further strengthening its presence and its social footprint.
