A Letter from Our Founders

Dear Friends,

Greece needs us today more than ever. Although fears of economic collapse have calmed, Greece remains humbled by a six-year depression. Companies are starved of needed investment. Families are struggling with unprecedented unemployment. Youth are migrating in record numbers, seeking opportunity abroad. This is indeed the worst crisis since the civil war. But it is also a unique moment in time when together we can chart a different future for Greece.

The Hellenic Initiative (THI) is committed to relief, recovery and renewal. Our programs share a common focus on responsible investment – in strong nonprofit organizations responding to the crisis today and in leaders, entrepreneurs and businesses creating opportunity for tomorrow.

We acknowledge the mixed emotions wrought by these challenging times: despair, fear, disappointment, even anger. But we stand by Greece because we are confident the future can be different – because we are family. And because we never forget that we stand on the shoulders of giants who walked before us: not just those from ancient times, but those of our parents and grandparents as well.

This is a long-term commitment. It is not enough to just regain lost ground. Greece must chart a new course, ambitious even before the crisis, and almost unthinkable today. But working together – Greeks, the diaspora and our friends – we can harness our collective vision, capabilities and resources to build a brighter future. If not us, who? Join us.

Oli Mazi,