FAQs

The ENA Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Cyprus, dedicated to promoting sustainable social change by empowering individuals and communities through long-term, impact-driven initiatives.

It was founded by entrepreneur Tasos Papanastasiou, with the vision of giving back to society and investing in meaningful, community-driven development.

To build a strong, fair, and supportive society where every individual has access to opportunities for personal growth, education, and meaningful contribution to their community.

Unlike traditional charities, ENA Foundation focuses on sustainable, strategic interventions—not one-off aid—empowering people to build long-term solutions and become agents of their own change.

Mainly through private funding and strategic partnerships. It also uses a transparent crowdfunding platform to mobilize public support.

• Apply for one of the Foundation’s programs
• Become a partner or sponsor
• Donate via the crowdfunding platform

Everything starts with One. One idea. One act. One person can begin the change.

Not required, but highly encouraged—especially for Grants for Change and Envision Together—to promote shared ownership and project longevity.

Each program uses specific metrics:

• Beyond the Medal: Athletic merit (50%), academic performance (30%), financial need (20%)
• Grants for Change: Innovation, sustainability, impact, and community relevance
• Envision Together: Public value, partnership potential, and urban design quality

Currently, ENA Foundation focuses on local impact within Cyprus. However, international expansion may be considered in the future.

ENA Foundation runs three flagship programs:

• Beyond the Medal: Support for Olympic/Paralympic athletes in sports, education, and career.
• Grants for Change: Funding for community-driven initiatives with social impact.
• Envision Together: Upgrading and reimagining public spaces to foster inclusion and community life.

Applications are submitted electronically and are completed in three consecutive stages:

Stage 1 – Submission of proposal summary
In the first stage, applicants submit a brief summary of their idea through the programme’s online platform. The summary should outline the purpose of the project, the target group, and how children and/or young people will be involved.

Stage 2 – Selection & in person presentation
Shortlisted proposals are invited to an in person presentation before the committee. Following the evaluation, the most promising proposals progress to Stage 3.

Stage 3 – Workshops for developing the full proposal Selected applicants take part in specialised workshops to develop the full proposal. After completing the workshops, they submit the final version of their proposal for the final selection.

Stage 1 – Submission of proposal summary
Opening date: 25 February 2026
Submission deadline: 30 April 2026

Stage 2 – Evaluation & in person presentation
Announcement of candidates invited for in person presentation: May 2026
Announcement of proposals advancing to Stage 3: July 2026

Stage 3 – Workshops for developing the full proposal
Workshops held: September 2026

Project start window
January – February 2027

Project duration
6–12 months

Projects may include a wide range of activities that foster the active participation of children and/or young people and align with the focus of the programme. Indicative examples include co design and co creation workshops, skills development and creative expression activities, long term tools or spaces that produce sustainable outputs, community oriented actions that enhance public engagement, as well as research or advocacy initiatives centred on the needs and voices of young people. All activities should be aligned with the programme’s goal of promoting meaningful participation, sustainability, and public visibility.

The 2026 cycle of the programme invites proposals that actively engage children (0–18) and/or young people (18–35) in Cyprus through participatory, sustainable, and publicly visible initiatives. The programme aims to strengthen the role of young people by equipping them with the tools to shape their communities and contribute to long term social wellbeing.

Grants for Change 2025 is an initiative of the ENA Foundation aimed at supporting community projects that empower and promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups in Cyprus. The programme provides financial support as well as capacity building workshops.

Yes. Each recipient must submit an annual progress report outlining their academic and athletic achievements in relation to agreed goals.

Yes. Athletes are expected to demonstrate sportsmanship, integrity, and respect on and off the field. Any behavior involving racism, sexism, doping, violence, or hate speech can lead to immediate suspension or termination of funding.

• Educational support: tuition, housing (in Cyprus or abroad), educational materials
• Athletic support: coaching, facilities, equipment, travel & lodging for competitions

• Up to €20,000/year for Olympic/Paralympic medalists
• Up to €10,000/year for emerging athletes
• €5,000 bonus if the athlete qualifies for the 2028 Olympics/Paralympics

• Failing to meet eligibility criteria
• Late submission
• Submission of false information or documents

• Athletic achievements
• Academic achievements

Athletes of Olympic or Paralympic level who:
• Have previously competed in the Olympic or Paralympic Games, or
• Are emerging athletes with a strong prospect of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic/Paralympic Games.