The Sawiris Foundation was founded in April 2001 as a grant-making foundation. Set up with an endowment from the Sawiris family – which is made up of prominent members of the business world and the development community - it is one of the first family donor foundations dedicated to social development to be established in Egypt. In 2005, the Foundation was granted special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

The Sawiris Foundation’s focus, mission and work have evolved from the collective thinking of like-minded individuals within the international development community. Mrs. Yousriya Loza Sawiris, founding chair of the Association for the Protection of the Environment (APE), and the late Dr. Ibrahim Shihata, Senior Vice-President and General Counsel of the World Bank, began the dialogue and thinking of how to shape the Foundation. They were further encouraged in their efforts by the collaboration of advocates such as Mrs. Mary Asaad, a community development expert, and the late Dr. John Gerhart, former President of the American University in Cairo (AUC). Dr. Shihata helped codify the Foundation’s by-laws and processes, and recruited the members of its Board of Trustees and the Foundation’s first Executive Director. All board members are leaders of Egyptian society and experts in their field.

MISSION

To contribute to Egypt’s development, create sustainable job opportunities, and empower citizens to build productive lives that realize their full potential. The foundation supports initiatives that encourage job creation through training, education and access to microcredit. Furthermore, they enhance efforts to improve health and further the endeavors of local communities to improve infrastructure and gain access to basic services.

VISION

The Sawiris Foundation was founded on the belief that development is only sustainable when its beneficiaries are equal partners in the process. We aspire to be a recognized pioneer in the provision of innovative and sustainable development initiatives, promoting increased empowerment of, and participation by, the people of Egypt.

OBJECTIVES

Training for Employment, to meet the need for a skilled workforce and open up opportunities for employment;
Community Development, to improve living conditions and access to modern educational facilities;
Health, to foster greater well-being and, in turn, productivity;
Micro-Credit, to promote self-employment and enterprise development;
Literary Awards, to revitalize literature and promote talent and creativity; and
Scholarships, to give outstanding students the opportunity to pursue quality education, locally and internationally.