Andersen Iberia launches new foundation focused on education

Andersen has launched Fundación Andersen Iberia, an organisation established with the aim of promoting equal access to educational opportunities. From its headquarters on Velázquez Street in Madrid, the foundation will structure its activity around five lines of action linked to the concept of education as a social elevator: education and support for children; scientific and cultural initiatives; the promotion of sport and health; cooperation with the third sector and the encouragement of volunteering; and social inclusion through education for vulnerable groups.

“The values of this foundation are rooted in the deep humanism that is part of our organisation”, explains José Vicente Morote, managing partner. The foundation’s board of trustees is composed of José Vicente Morote, also chair of the foundation; Ignacio Aparicio, executive partner and secretary of the foundation; and board members Javier Mata, senior partner; Ana Teresa Martínez, director; Juan Ignacio Alonso, partner; Miguel Gordillo, of counsel; and Elena Martínez, partner. The manager is Fernando de Rasche, counsel at Andersen.

The intention behind this initiative originates in the need to support those affected by the 2024 DANA storm. Andersen has an office in Valencia, where 120 professionals work, many of whom suffered losses. “Knowing that part of your team has experienced a disaster of such magnitude pushed us to act immediately—not only to help our people, but also the wider Valencian community, which we are part of and feel as our own”, says José Vicente Morote.

Following this initial action—undertaken directly by Andersen Iberia—the firm’s board of directors set in motion the creation of the foundation. Once established, the organisation took its first steps by providing financial support to four schools in Valencia affected by the DANA, with the aim of improving learning conditions and ensuring that the assistance has a real impact.

According to Andersen, the foundation continues to advance with new initiatives and is considering the creation of an advisory council made up of leading figures from the academic, professional, cultural and social spheres. This body will support the board of trustees in defining strategic priorities. Projects will be selected based on criteria of rigour, impartiality and non-discrimination, ensuring their effectiveness and social relevance.

As for its scope of action, the Foundation plans to carry out its social work in all the cities where it operates, both in Spain and Portugal. “We are taking our first steps in Spain, specifically in Valencia, and we will soon have an action plan setting out the steps to follow in the cities where we are present. We are convinced that education has the power to transform lives and communities, and that it is a key tool for building a fairer and more equal society”, states the managing partner.

Caption from left to right: Fernando de Rasche, counsel at Andersen and managing director of the Andersen Iberia Foundation, and Benjamín Prieto, partner and co-Head of Andersen’s Valencia office, with representatives of the four schools that received the donation.