Ecogenia

Ecogenia empowers youth to lead Greece toward a more resilient and sustainable future. By participating in structured, paid service programs, young people address local environmental and social challenges. Along the way, they build valuable skills and a strong sense of civic purpose through hands-on climate action.

latest grant
2025
Linked SDG
Climate Action
Program area
Education and Youth Development
Main contact
Lia Papazoglou
lia.papazoglou@ecogenia.org

Introduction & utilization of donation

Our Foundation renewed its support for Ecogenia in February 2025, further advancing our joint mission of community-driven sustainability. Building upon the progress from the previous grant, this donation aims to strengthen Ecogenia’s efforts to mobilize youth for meaningful climate action and community development.

Since the initial pilot of the Olympus program in Litochoro in 2024, Ecogenia has expanded its scope and impact significantly. The program, which began with a small cohort, now involves 8 cohort members for 2025, focusing on critical environmental actions such as wildfire prevention, trail maintenance, and ecotourism development. These projects provide hands-on experience for young Greeks, contributing to local resilience while fostering professional skills in environmental conservation.

The renewed donation is helping facilitate strategic partnerships, such as those with TAIPED, which has contributed funding for the expansion of the program; with DYPA, supporting the evolution of the pilot program launched in 2025; and NECCA, which has provided office space at the Mount Olympus Information Center. These partnerships are vital in scaling Ecogenia’s activities and ensuring the sustainability of its mission.

Ecogenia has continued to deepen its advocacy efforts. The organization has made significant strides in influencing local policy and engaging stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, to integrate civic service programs within Greece’s broader environmental strategies. This year’s work has laid the foundation for long-term systemic change in how Greece engages youth in climate action.

The funding is also directed toward improving the organizational sustainability of Ecogenia. With a strategic focus on expanding service programs in new regions and developing an advocacy and communications strategy, Ecogenia is setting the groundwork for scaling its impact further. Additionally, the organization is committed to diversifying its funding sources, ensuring its financial independence through institutional grants, public-private partnerships, and engagement with the Greek diaspora.

Through this ongoing support and the strategic use of donations, Ecogenia is steadily advancing its mission to engage young people in meaningful environmental action and foster a culture of civic responsibility and sustainability across Greece.

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