The Foundation was established in 2001 in Monaco by an Italian couple, Alfredo and Maria Elena Cuomo, who originally had one simple vision—to help support vulnerable children in India to gain access to educational attainment and better life chances.

Alfredo Cuomo, born in Rome, was a Fulbright student scholarship recipient who made his reputation as a producer in the international film industry. Maria Elena Cuomo, also a Roman, graduated from the Sapienza University of Rome with a special interest in Latin and Greek culture and enjoyed a successful career in the global banking business. 

Both enthusiastic art collectors and adventurous explorers, in particular, of India and Africa, they had reached a point in their lives where they wanted to affirm and create positive philanthropy to those less fortunate.

In early 2000’s, working in the Tamil Nadu state of Southern India, the Foundation built schools, dormitories and sanitation buildings in Chennai, K.G.Kandigai, Kovalam, Mambakkam and Sendivakkam. 4,600 primary and secondary school-age children attend the schools daily. Since 2001, over 500 scholarships have assisted students to attend colleges and universities.

Other initiatives and partnerships were launched and upheld aplenty in Monaco, Europe and in many parts of the world.