About The Savoy Foundation

Grant to Casa Italiana Zerilli Marimo of New York University

Savoy History Series

Ballo di Savoia (Royal Savoy Ball) New York City Charity Gala

Notte di Savoia Los Angeles Charity Gala

Notte di Savoia Los Angeles Aerial Panorama

Chivalry Award Presentation at the Annual Festa della Primavera Spring Reception

​The charitable, educational and humanitarian work of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders is accomplished through the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, Incorporated. Founded in 1993, the American Foundation of Savoy Orders, Incorporated, is a United States not-for profit tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) charitable organization whose philanthropic work in North America and around the world is generously supported by the members and friends of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders.

The Foundation was formed primarily to provide support for hospitals, relief agencies and assistance for the poor, sick and elderly. These charitable and humanitarian purposes are in keeping with the centuries old hospitaller traditions of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. Contributions to the Foundation and its charitable projects are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

​​Continuing the hospitaller and historical traditions of the Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy, the American Foundation of Savoy Orders focuses particularly on humanitarian aid and charitable activities in the following fields: health care; emergency relief to victims of natural disasters; cultural and educational programs. The Royal House of Savoy traces its history back to 1003. The Dynasty's ultimate achievement was the unification of the Italian peninsula as a new European nation under its rule in 1861. For a brief history of the four Dynastic Orders of the Royal House of Savoy–the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation, the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus, the Civil Order of Savoy and the Order of Merit of Savoy, click here.

Many members and friends of the Savoy Orders make additional contributions to help the Foundation reach its charitable goals. Most often, these contributors serve as Patrons of the Orders' fund-raising events. In 2005, the Foundation became a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Roster Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. This important role enables the Foundation to participate in the medical, poverty and educational work of the United Nations. It also provides an excellent opportunity to form strategic alliances with the international philanthropic community with which the Savoy Orders are already active.

While deeply rooted in the past, the Savoy Orders are actively engaged in the challenges of modern society. The Savoy Foundation undertakes humanitarian, hospitaller and charitable projects and initiatives across North America and abroad, particularly in healthcare, disaster relief and educational programs. Proceeds from the Foundation's events, such as the annual Ballo di Savoia (Savoy Ball), the Festa della Primavera Spring Reception, the Notte di Savoia Los Angeles, are donated to hospitals, orphanages and other humanitarian causes. These events provide valuable support enabling the Savoy Foundation to carry out its charitable work to aid children's causes, hospice care for the poor, sick, and infirm, and to produce the annual Savoy History  Series focusing on the history of Italy and the Savoy dynasty. The generous participation of the Knights, Dames and friends of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the Order of Merit of Savoy fosters the continuation of the Savoy Orders' role in humanitarian and hospitaller assistance and support for its cultural, educational and social initiatives. Members of the Italian Royal Family, Their Royal Highnesses Prince Victor Emmanuel and Princess Marina, Prince Emmanuel Philibert and Princess Clotilde of Savoy,  actively support, attend and lend their names through formal patronage of these worthy events and causes.

The Savoy Foundation has established three endowment funds: charitable causes, educational programs and operating expenses. Traditionally, annual grants are made to hospice programs and orphanages. Other grants are made through the Savoy Foundation's Emergency Response Fund to support emergency relief efforts throughout the world to victims of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods.

Through a generous donation by the Mark Pigott Family, the Savoy Foundation in December 2010 established the Savoy Orders Pigott Scholarship Fund to provide scholarships to college students for studies in the Humanities and International Affairs. Please click here for more information.

About the Chivalry Award

The Chivalry Awards were inaugurated by the Savoy Foundation in 2013. The Chivalry Award is a humanitarian award that celebrates the vision and endeavor of an individual, whose humanitarian work, public service and exemplary conduct have contributed significantly to the betterment of the community and world. Its goal is to bring public recognition to individuals whose principles, values, civil conduct and humanitarian accomplishments provide inspiration to future generations. The Chivalry Awards are meant to focus greater attention on standards of knightly conduct, which history associates with Europe in the Middle Ages. Even today, the word “chivalry” is synonymous with courtesy, honor and integrity. Chivalry survives in modern times as both a code of conduct and a way of life, embodying the highest ideals of civilization. Honorees for these awards are selected in recognition of their outstanding service, generosity and civility in their distinguished careers and their unselfish commitment to public causes and personal dignity, which reflect the noble and ancient chivalric traditions of the Dynastic and Hereditary Orders of the Royal House of Savoy. For more information about the Chivalry Awards or prior recipients, please read more.