In the past year, the Simona Kijonková Foundation distributed over CZK 17 million to support socially disadvantaged children, young people, and public-benefit projects. Since the summer of 2024, the foundation has helped students gain access to education at prestigious universities worldwide and supported dozens of organizations across the Czech Republic. In 2025, the foundation plans to open its first Smajlíček leisure-time centers for children from socially excluded areas and to launch thematic grant calls aimed at deepening cooperation with the nonprofit sector.
“The foundation was born out of my personal experience - I know what it’s like to start from scratch. That is why we have supported not only children from disadvantaged backgrounds, but also those who have the courage to dream big. I am proud that in our very first year we were able to change dozens of life stories,” says Simona Kijonková, founder and Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Simona Kijonková Foundation.
“This year, a great deal of work lies ahead of us. We are especially looking forward to launching our pilot Smajlíček leisure-time center. The first branch is already in preparation and will offer children a safe space for development, education, and meaningful leisure time. We see this as one of the key pillars of our work,” Kijonková adds.
“In 2024, we set ourselves a clear goal - to start quickly and with the greatest possible impact. In just half a year, we supported dozens of projects across the country and opened doors to education and personal growth for children and young people. Thanks to the incredible support of our donors, we were able to truly change lives,” adds the foundation’s Executive Director, Barbora Bachmeierová.
When Vision Turns into Concrete Support
The Simona Kijonková Foundation began its activities in the summer of 2024. In less than six months of full operation, it supported 50 organizations whose services benefit hundreds of children and young people, as well as 9 individuals. In total, the foundation distributed more than CZK 17 million in direct support for socially disadvantaged children and projects focused on their education and mental health.
Three students received scholarships to prestigious international universities: researcher Vasil Kostin began his Ph.D. studies at the University of Oxford, Tereza Przeczková enrolled in a bachelor’s program in Biomedical Sciences at University College London, and Terezie Heiderová is studying psychology at the University of Groningen.
The foundation also took part in the August Kefír Festival with its own children’s program and, together with the Zdeňka Žádníková Endowment Fund, transformed the premises of the Children’s Cardiology Center at Motol University Hospital in October. In September, the foundation organized a gala evening featuring a charity auction of artworks and other items, raising more than CZK 3 million.
Outlook for 2025
In 2025, the foundation plans to open its first Smajlíček leisure-time centers, which will provide safe spaces for children from socially excluded communities.
“Beyond the direct support we provide through financial contributions - and soon also through the opening of our first Smajlíček center - our long-term goal is to contribute to systemic change. We therefore plan to establish partnerships with experts in mental health and education and gradually develop a network of organizations that share the same values: helping where it truly makes a difference,” Bachmeierová explains.
The Simona Kijonková Foundation will also newly offer support to nonprofit organizations through grant calls. In addition to financial support, applicants may receive expert guidance in areas such as PR, fundraising, or human resources. Individuals and organizations can apply for support via the online application form on the foundation’s website at nadacesk.cz.
