About
Guiding Principles
Guided by the belief that preservation of our own heritage, together with access to good education, allows us to better plan our future and live a better life, we have adopted the following goals:
* To award grants and/or contribute time and/or materials to improve education in science, technology, and arts in rural areas of the world, in particular in South America and Europe. These gifts are given to organizations that are tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3).
* To provide grants for the preservation of the historical legacy of the Principality of Asturias in Spain. This is the region where our founders’ ancestors (the Perez-Castells family) were born and lived for more than 300 years. The aims include: i) cataloging and preserving historical books and notarized documents produced before 1836; ii) identification, restoration, and study of heraldic arms and other historical monuments, such as ancient chapels, and iii) contributing to the edition of books and organization or sponsoring of conferences/workshops on historical matters in collaboration with other associations with similar aims.
* To engage in any and all other lawful purposes, activities, and pursuits presently or hereafter allowed by-laws and related to the foregoing; provided, that the Corporation shall not engage in a regular business of a kind ordinarily carried on for profit.
Milestones
In 2012, The Count of Monte Alea Foundation, Inc. was the recipient of the National Award for Patronage of Historical Studies for the year 2012-2013 conferred by the Spanish Federation of Heraldry, Genealogy, and Historical Sciences (Federación Española de Genealogía, Heráldica y Ciencias Históricas).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we received no donations, but the board stepped up and contributed on its own to maintain the support for the rural schools in Chincha Alta, Peru, and Dakar, Senegal.
Our Founder’s Message
Welcome to the website, and thanks for taking the time to stop by and find out more about what we do. The mission of The Count of Monte Alea Foundation, Inc is to improve the quality of elementary and high school education in rural areas of the world. We view education as the cornerstone for reducing poverty, accelerating economic growth, and improving the overall quality of life. Particular emphasis is placed on remote locations where access to infrastructure and technology is limited. Our programs are mainly directed to locations in africa, southern Chile, small villages in the Peruvian Andes, and the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain. Hence, the Foundation awards grants to qualified institutions to accomplish its objectives.
Understanding our own history and cultural legacy is important. It allows us to better plan our future. Thus, the Foundation also desires to promote the study and defense of the artistic and cultural patrimony of the Principality of Asturias. This is the birthplace of modern Spain and the land of my ancestors, who lived in the village of Monte Alea for more than three hundred years as Hijosdalgos, the ancient nobility of Asturias. To accomplish these aims, the Foundation organizes workshops, contributes to the restoration of ancient heraldic arms, and publishes original research as pertains to heraldry, genealogy, and medieval history in collaboration with other qualified organizations.
The Count of Monte Alea Foundation, Inc was created as a family organization to give back what society has given to me during my professional and personal life. During my career as a scientist, teacher, and executive, I have learned that institutions are built step by step, with excellence and without “cutting corners”. Proof that we are on the right track is that the 2012 National Spanish Award for Patronage of Historical Studies was given to the Foundation by the Federación Española de Genealogía, Heráldica y Ciencias Históricas. This is a great honor that motivates us to continue our mission of preserving our cultural and historical heritage as well as providing the means to improve rural education. The Foundation takes its name from the honorific title bestowed on the founder by the last king of Rwanda, HM Kigeli V, for services to the royal house and advice on science and technology education. The title has been ratified by the head of the Royal House of Georgia in Spain.
Thanks again. I hope you find this website interesting and informative, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Bernardo Perez de Buerres Ramirez
President