A. G. Leventis Foundation

Charity Number: CUSTOM_FDB7CFE9

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: Not publicly disclosed
  • Success Rate: 12.5% (approximately one in eight applications accepted)
  • Decision Time: 3-4 months (applications reviewed June-July, results by August 31st for educational grants; annual review for project grants)
  • Grant Range: Variable - from individual scholarships to major multi-year institutional grants (e.g., £90,000 over three years)
  • Geographic Focus: International, with emphasis on Cyprus, Greece, UK, and West Africa
  • Total Scholarships Awarded: Over 6,752 scholarships in 45+ years

Contact Details

Main Website: https://www.leventisfoundation.org

Email: foundation@leventis-overseas.com

Switzerland Office (Executive Secretary):

Tödistrasse 44

CH-8002 Zurich, Switzerland

Cyprus Office:

40 Gladstone Street

1095 Nicosia, Cyprus

Phone: +357 22667706

Overview

Founded in May 1979 by Cypriot entrepreneur Anastasios G. Leventis (1902-1978), the A. G. Leventis Foundation focuses on heritage and environmental conservation, education, and philanthropic causes. Over its 45-year history, the Foundation has granted over 6,752 scholarships across Humanities, Social Sciences, Technology, Arts, Natural Sciences, Medical, and Business fields. The Foundation supports projects in Cyprus, Greece, and internationally, with a particular emphasis on supporting and disseminating Hellenic cultural heritage. Major funding areas include conservation and the environment, scientific and medical research, cultural activities, and educational initiatives. The Foundation has established significant long-term partnerships with leading UK universities including Edinburgh and Cambridge, funding endowed chairs, visiting professorships, and major research initiatives.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Educational Grants (Individual Scholarships)

  • Annual scholarship programme for Master's and PhD students
  • No restrictions on subject of study at postgraduate level
  • Open to citizens of any nation and any age
  • Grants cover partial study expenses
  • Application deadline: March 31st annually
  • Results announced: By August 31st

Project Grants (Institutional/Organisational)

  • Supporting Hellenic cultural heritage projects
  • Conservation and environmental initiatives
  • Museums and libraries
  • Academic chairs and visiting professorships
  • Research programmes
  • Application deadline: September 30th annually
  • Rolling basis within annual cycle

Priority Areas

Cultural & Heritage

  • Hellenic cultural heritage preservation and dissemination
  • Classical studies and archaeology
  • Byzantine studies
  • Museum exhibitions and collections
  • Ancient Greek language education

Education

  • Postgraduate scholarships (Master's and PhD level)
  • Endowed academic positions and professorships
  • Research studentships
  • Agricultural and technical education (particularly in West Africa)

Conservation & Environment

  • Environmental conservation projects
  • Biodiversity research (notably the African Biodiversity Fellowship Programme)
  • Natural heritage preservation

Research

  • Scientific and medical research
  • Archaeological research
  • Academic research programmes with long-term impact

Recent Grants (Examples)

  • Classics for All (2017): £90,000 over three years for the Electra programme supporting Ancient Greek teaching in UK state schools
  • University of Edinburgh (2015): Endowed Chair in Byzantine Studies
  • University of Edinburgh (1997): Biennial visiting professorship in Greek
  • University of Cambridge (2008): A. G. Leventis Professorship of Greek Culture (first endowed chair in Classics at a UK university since WWII)
  • Cambridge Conservation Initiative: Support for the Cambridge Conservation Campus
  • Greek Archaeological Committee UK: Annual scholarship since 2004

What They Don't Fund

  • Undergraduate programmes (only postgraduate level and above since 1992)
  • Post-doctoral research (for individual scholarships)
  • Applications from undergraduates who have not yet obtained their first university degree
  • Projects outside their core focus areas of Hellenic heritage, education, conservation, and cultural/scientific research
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Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees:

  • Anastasios P. Leventis - Chairman
  • George A. David
  • Haralambos K. Leventis
  • Christo R. Leventis
  • Marios G. Eliades
  • Louisa A. Leventis
  • Salome A. Holden
  • Anastasios I. Leventis
  • Bashorun A. Adesanya
  • Chief A.P. Sadauki

The Foundation operates affiliated organizations including the A. G. Leventis Gallery, Leventis Municipal Museum in Nicosia, and Leventis Foundation Nigeria. The governance structure reflects the founder's vision to focus on “society, education and culture.”

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

For Project Grants:

  • Submit a proposal of 1-3 pages by email to foundation@leventis-overseas.com
  • Include: project information, amount requested, detailed budget, breakdown of costs
  • Deadline: September 30th annually
  • Trustees review applications once per year

For Educational Grants (Scholarships):

  • Complete electronic application form at www.leventisscholarships.org
  • Application window: March 1st - March 31st (00:00 GMT)
  • Required documents: CV, university acceptance letter, transcripts, diplomas, proof of ID, reference letter, PhD proposal summary (for PhD applicants)
  • For renewal applications: progress report required

Decision Timeline

Educational Grants:

  • Applications reviewed: June - July
  • Results announced: By August 31st via email
  • Timeline: Approximately 4-5 months from deadline to decision

Project Grants:

  • Annual review by Trustees following September 30th deadline
  • Specific timeline not publicly disclosed, but expect several months for review

Success Rates

  • Overall: Approximately 12.5% (one in eight applications accepted)
  • Competition is described as “keen” with selection made from a large number of well-qualified candidates
  • Limited budget means only a small number of proposals supported annually

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication policy is publicly stated. Unsuccessful applicants should contact the Foundation directly at foundation@leventis-overseas.com for guidance on reapplication.

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Values

Academic Excellence and Financial Need

The Foundation emphasizes “the scholastic ability of the candidate measured in terms of previous academic record and the economic situation of the individual.” For MBA scholarships, candidates are selected on “academic merit, work experience and personality traits.”

Alignment with Hellenic Heritage Mission

Projects that support and disseminate Hellenic cultural heritage appear to receive particular attention, given the Foundation's stated priorities and funding history. The Foundation has a 30+ year partnership with Cambridge and has supported numerous classics, archaeology, and Byzantine studies initiatives.

Long-term Impact and Sustainability

Major grants indicate preference for endowed positions and programmes with lasting impact (e.g., endowed chairs, multi-year programmes like the Electra programme).

Institutional Partnerships

The Foundation has demonstrated commitment to long-term partnerships with prestigious institutions (Edinburgh, Cambridge, Greek Archaeological Committee UK), suggesting value placed on established institutional capacity.

Application Tips

  1. Be Concise and Clear: Proposals should be 1-3 pages with detailed budget information
  2. Demonstrate Financial Need: For educational grants, economic situation is explicitly considered alongside academic merit
  3. Show Strong Academic Record: Academic excellence is paramount in selection criteria
  4. Align with Mission: Clearly articulate how your project supports Hellenic heritage, education, conservation, or the Foundation's other core priorities
  5. Provide Detailed Budgets: Cost breakdowns are specifically requested
  6. Understand Competition: With only 12.5% success rate, applications must be exceptionally strong
  7. Consider Partial Funding: Educational grants cover “only part of the expenses of study” - plan for additional funding sources

Recent Funding Examples

  • Classics education in UK state schools (Classics for All)
  • Endowed academic positions in Hellenic studies
  • Archaeological scholarships and fellowships
  • Conservation library and resource centres
  • Museum exhibitions focused on Mediterranean culture
  • Biodiversity conservation research in Africa

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Competitive Process: With only a 12.5% success rate, applications must demonstrate exceptional quality and clear alignment with Foundation priorities
  • Hellenic Focus Matters: While the Foundation supports diverse fields, projects connected to Hellenic cultural heritage, Greek studies, or Mediterranean culture have clear advantage
  • Think Long-term: The Foundation favours endowed positions, multi-year programmes, and initiatives with sustainable impact
  • Educational Excellence: For scholarships, strong academic record is essential; for projects, educational or research components strengthen applications
  • Budget Realism: Grants typically cover partial costs - demonstrate other funding sources and realistic budgeting
  • Institutional Credibility: Track record of successful partnerships with prestigious institutions (Edinburgh, Cambridge) suggests preference for established organizations with strong capacity
  • Annual Deadlines: Plan ahead - only one application review cycle per year means missing the deadline means waiting 12 months
  • Conciseness Counts: With 1-3 page proposal limit, every word must count - be clear, focused, and compelling

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