FAQs

Find answers to your questions about our programs and how you can get involved.

About ENA Foundation

06

What is the ENA Foundation?

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.

Who founded the ENA Foundation?

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

What is the Foundation’s vision?

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.

How is ENA Foundation different from traditional charities?

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.

How is it funded?

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

How can I get involved?

  • 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.

Our Programmes

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Is there a co-funding or matching fund requirement?

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

What types of support are provided?

  • Financial support (grants, stipends, scholarships)
  • Mentoring, networking, and capacity building
  • Visibility through ENA’s communication channels
  • Infrastructure/logistics (mainly in Envision Together)

How are applications evaluated?

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

Can individuals apply, or only organizations?

Who can apply to the programs?

  • Beyond the Medal: Athletes (current or aspiring Olympians/Paralympians)
  • Grants for Change: NGOs, youth groups, local authorities, community orgs
  • Envision Together: Municipalities and community stakeholders
  • Crowdfunding: Open to individuals or groups with socially driven initiatives

How often do programs open for applications?

  • Beyond the Medal: Closed for 2025. Current beneficiaries supported through 2028. Reassessment expected in 2026.
  • Grants for Change: Annual calls with ongoing opportunities.
  • Envision Together: Project-based; applications in coordination with municipalities.

Do programs support projects outside Cyprus?

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

What types of programs does ENA Foundation offer?

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.

Grants for Change

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Where can I get help or more information?

For updates, resources, and announcements, visit the ENA Foundation’s website under the Grants for Change section or refer to the contact details.

Will applicants receive training or support?

Yes. All successful applicants will be invited to attend two free workshops, organised in collaboration with RESET CY. The workshops will focus on financial management and strategic communication for effective project implementation.

What is the assessment process for applications?

Phase A applications are screened for eligibility and relevance. Phase B proposals are scored by independent evaluators based on reasoning, capacity, feasibility, impact, visibility, and innovation. A minimum score of 60/100 is required to be considered for funding.

What costs are eligible under the grant?

Eligible costs include staff or consultant fees, training and event costs, equipment, outreach, monitoring, travel, and modest admin expenses. Terms and conditions apply, please review detailed criteria.

How are applications submitted?

Applications must be submitted online in two phases. Phase A requires a summary proposal, while successful Phase A applicants will be invited to submit a detailed Phase B application with full project and budget details.

What is the timeline for applications and project implementation?

Phase A applications open: 28 May 2025Phase A deadline: 11 July 2025Phase B invitations: 21 July 2025Phase B submissions: 22 July – 10 September 2025Announcement of grantees: 15 October 2025Project start window: 17 November 2025 – 31 January 2026Project duration: 6–12 months

What types of projects are eligible?

Projects can include educational workshops, community events, creative and physical activities, support services, outreach efforts, or participatory research. Activities must align with the goal of fostering empowerment and inclusion of vulnerable groups.

What are the key focus areas of the programme?

The programme supports initiatives that promote empowerment and inclusion of vulnerable groups such as children, youth, persons with disabilities, the elderly, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, migrants, refugees, and people facing poverty or social exclusion.

Who can apply for funding?

Eligible applicants include registered NGOs, foundations, federations, not-for-profit companies, registered social enterprises, grassroots community groups, and micro-enterprises. All applications must involve at least two partner organisations, with one designated as the lead (Category A). Please review the Open Call details (Chapter 4) for the eligibility criteria.

What is the “Grants for Change 2025” programme?

Grants for Change 2025 is an initiative by ENA Foundation aimed at supporting community-led projects that empower and promote the inclusion of vulnerable groups in Cyprus. The programme provides financial support (between €5,000 and €20,000 per project) and capacity-building workshops

Beyond The Medal

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Is there a reporting obligation?

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

Are there any conduct expectations for awardees?

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.

What can the grant be used for?

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

What does the sponsorship include?

• 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

What can cause an application to be rejected?

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

What are the main selection criteria?

• Athletic achievements: 50%
• Academic achievements: 30%
• Financial need: 20%

Who can apply?

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.

What is the application period?

From April 24, 2025 (08:00) to May 31, 2025 (16:00), Cyprus time. The application period has been completed.
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