# Avina Foundation

Avina Foundation is an Endowment / Foundation based in Panama City, Panama.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** Panama City, Panama
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Panama City, Panama
- **Founded:** 1994
- **Assets under management:** 33 (Altss estimate)
- **Website:** www.avina.net
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/avina

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

Avina Foundation was created in 1994 by Swiss industrialist Stephan Schmidheiny. The endowment supports work on climate, democracies, inclusive circular economy, and water issues. Viktoria Schmidheiny serves as current board chair while Valeria Scorza acts as CEO. The foundation pursues early-stage and growth opportunities in sustainable development. Asset classes include venture commitments, mezzanine financing, and direct program-related investments. Confirmed activity spans Latin America and extends to partnerships in North America and Europe. Related vehicles include Avina Americas and FUNDES. The organization lists 33 million dollars under management per internal estimates. It maintains headquarters in Panama City with additional holdings that include a French cheese farm in Brazil and the Daros Latinamerica Collection. Stephan Schmidheiny also founded the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Avina Foundation operates through the VIVA Trust structure, which separates philanthropic deployment from family wealth held in other vehicles. This architecture allows independent governance while retaining family oversight via board positions.

## Sectors

- ClimateTech

## People

- Stephan Schmidheiny — Founder
- Viktoria Schmidheiny — Chair of the board
- Valeria Scorza — CEO
- Thomas Schmidheiny — Family Member

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Avina Foundation?

Valeria Scorza serves as CEO and oversees day-to-day operations. Viktoria Schmidheiny chairs the board. Stephan Schmidheiny retains founder influence through the original endowment structure.

### How does Avina Foundation source proprietary deal flow?

The foundation builds alliances between social and business leaders across Latin America. It participates in networks such as the Global Philanthropy Forum and WINGS to identify collaborative opportunities.

### Does Avina Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

Activity includes both fund commitments and direct program investments. The foundation has backed early-stage and growth vehicles in climate and circular economy themes.

## Related profiles

- [Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences](https://altss.com/profile/academy-of-motion-picture-arts-and-sciences)
- [Sterbekasse der Belegschaft der Saarstahl](https://altss.com/profile/sterbekasse-der-belegschaft-der-saarstahl)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

Canonical page: https://altss.com/profile/avina-foundation

Maintained by Altss — https://altss.com — methodology: https://altss.com/methodology