Educate. Empower. Elevate.
Maria founded the Maria Cristina Foundation in the United Kingdom in 2011, in memory of Cristina, the woman who raised her. Its purpose is simple: to break the cycle of poverty through education, one student at a time, for as long as it takes.
Children from the poorest communities reaching their full potential.
We want every child we work with to finish their education and take part fully in a global world, and to lift their families as they go.
- Give children from underprivileged communities a high-quality education.
- Remove the social and financial barriers that pull them out of school.
- Prepare students for university and competitive careers through mentoring and English tuition.
- Open doors to work through internships with partner organisations.
- Focus our resources where they make the greatest difference.
The team behind the promise.
Maria Conceição
Founder
First Portuguese woman to summit Everest and K2. Explorers Grand Slam. 10 Guinness World Records. Keynote speaker.
mariaconceicao.comBoard of Trustees
Our UK trustees oversee operations, finance, strategy and compliance from our head office in the UK.
- Trustee name, Chair
- Trustee name, Treasurer
- Trustee name
Operations & Dhaka team
Day-to-day operations, donor care and our operating centre in Dhaka, working with students and families every day.
Meet the Dhaka teamOne foundation, five countries.
| United Kingdom | Head office. Registered charity 1140670 in England & Wales. Trustees manage operations, finance, strategy and compliance. |
| Bangladesh | Operating centre in Dhaka, managing our work with students, schools, universities and families. |
| Portugal | Registered branch working with supporters and media. Status for IRS consignação to be confirmed. |
| United States | A US foundation is being formed so American donors can give tax-deductibly. It will make grants to the UK charity. |
| United Arab Emirates | Maria's home and our hub for international partnerships. Fundraising in the UAE runs through a licensed charity partner. |
Talk to us.
Questions about a gift, a partnership or our work? A named member of our team replies within two working days.
Email
enquiries@mariacristinafoundation.org
Registered charity
The Maria Cristina Foundation, no. 1140670 (England & Wales)
Speaking & media
Contact Maria's team