The Fundación IBERDROLA, chaired by Manuel Marín and including Ignacio Galán as Founding Trustee, has successfully completed the first year of its 2010-2014 Master Plan. This plan was created to bring together all the activities carried out by an institution whose goal is to improve the quality of people’s lives in the regions where the Company operates.

Throughout the year, the Fundación IBERDROLA completed the first announcement of its Energy and Environment postgraduate scholarship programme, which has benefited 38 students who are furthering their education in Spanish and British institutions.

Another initiative that was very favourably received was the Energy for Solidarity programme, a social aid plan that funds 50% of the total amount of each of the 63 selected projects, and whose goal is to contribute to the well-being and quality of life of groups at risk of exclusion.

Moreover, during the first year of its Master Plan the Foundation organised in Madrid the conference by the Chairman of the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment of the London School of Economics, Nicholas Stern, entitled Energy, the key to a more sustainable economy.

In addition to these initiatives, the Fundación IBERDROLA has signed specific partnership and sponsorship agreements with around 150 organisations. 

It has thus addressed its three areas of activity: moving towards a sustainable energy model, cultural development in countries where the Company operates, and development cooperation and solidarity.

Commitment to the historical-artistic heritage

Another area where the Fundación IBERDROLA carries out an important task is the preservation of the historical-artistic heritage. Two major projects were implemented in this field in 2010: the Atlantic Romanesque Restoration Plan and the sponsorship of the Prado Museum Restoration Programme.

Signed in September together with the Ministry of Culture of Portugal and the Regional Government of Castile and León, the Atlantic Romanesque Restoration Plan will make it possible to restore 33 churches located around the Douro and Támega Rivers, in Spain and Portugal.

Moreover, the Fundación IBERDROLA has become a supporting member of the Prado Museum with the signing of an agreement under which the institution will sponsor its Restoration Programme, by providing 300,000 euros a year.

Other initiatives carried out by the institution in this area in 2010 include the financing and design of the interior lighting of the Church of the Yuso Monastery (La Rioja) and the Basilica of the Royal Monastery of El Escorial (Madrid).