Two years after the passing of Sir Sean Connery, the Connery Family is proud to announce the establishment of The Sean Connery Foundation. Created by his estate, the foundation seeks to honour Sir Sean’s legacy through strategic grantmaking to institutions and organisations in Scotland and The Bahamas, the two countries he called home. Within these locations, the goal of the foundation is to accelerate positive change in areas of interest and importance to Sir Sean and his family, with an emphasis on education and ocean conservation.
Stephane Connery, Sean’s son and Chairman of the foundation, remarks, “After two years of reflection, research and discernment, we have chosen to focus on the communities that Sean loved and on issues that reflect his beliefs, passions, and legacy. Above all, Sean believed that education was a force-multiplier and was most concerned that children from disadvantaged backgrounds, like his own, be given opportunities to succeed. Thanks to Sean’s gift, we dearly hope that our family’s grantmaking will help young Scots and Bahamians, along with our oceans, to thrive.”
Sean’s son, Jason Connery, added, “We are so pleased to announce the organisations receiving grants from the foundation in honour of my father’s legacy. Each group is doing such important work with integrity, excellence and commitment. These are the values my dad passed on to us, his family, and through the foundation, we hope to spread values that inspire many for the years to come. We look forward to championing each organisation as they work to enrich young people’s lives and protect our planet.”
The family has selected Holly Gordon, formerly Chief Impact Officer at Participant, as the Founding Executive Director of the foundation.
“Holly is a strategic and effective leader who brings her passion for community-driven social impact and a wealth of cross-sectoral and international experience to the role. We are grateful to have Holly guiding our family’s efforts,” said Stephane Connery.
The foundation is on track to commit £6 million in grants by the end of 2022, including to the following organisations: