What Is the Khodorkovsky Foundation
The Khodorkovsky Foundation is a private philanthropic organization created by Mikhail Khodorkovsky, the former head of Yukos and once Russia's richest man. It funds projects in Russia and other countries, focusing on human rights, rule of law, education, and social entrepreneurship. The foundation operates through a small team and a network of partners, and it often works alongside other NGOs and think tanks. Its activities include grants, fellowships, public events, and support for independent media and civil society groups.
The foundation is legally registered outside Russia and has offices in London and other European cities. It receives funding from private donors, international foundations, and Khodorkovsky himself. According to public filings and reports, the foundation has supported dozens of organizations working on criminal justice reform, anti-corruption, and political prisoners. It also runs programs for young leaders and analysts who study Russian politics and economy. The foundation's budget and grant details are not always fully public, but its annual reports and partner lists are available on its website and through transparency platforms read here.
History and Key Milestones
The foundation emerged after Khodorkovsky's arrest in 2003 and his subsequent imprisonment, when his business empire Yukos was dismantled. During his trial and time in prison, Khodorkovsky continued to fund charitable projects through proxies and associates. After his release in 2013 and his departure from Russia, the foundation became more visible, expanding its programs and public profile. It has since funded research on Russian corruption, supported victims of political repression, and launched initiatives in education and civic technology.
The foundation's timeline includes several high-profile partnerships with international organizations and think tanks. It has co-hosted events with groups such as the Open Society Foundations and the Atlantic Council, and it has published analyses on Russian sanctions, energy markets, and state capture. The foundation also supports former Yukos employees and their families through targeted aid programs. Its work has been covered by major outlets including Forbes, which has reported on Khodorkovsky's post-prison philanthropy and the structure of his charitable entities read here.
Current Activities and Programs
Today, the Khodorkovsky Foundation focuses on a mix of grantmaking, research, and public engagement. Its programs include fellowships for Russian-speaking analysts, support for independent journalism, and funding for legal aid organizations that assist political prisoners and their families. The foundation also runs digital platforms and publications that analyze Russian politics, economics, and security issues. It has expanded its work on anti-corruption tools, open data projects, and policy recommendations for Western governments and international institutions.
The foundation's current priorities include strengthening civil society in Russia and neighboring countries, supporting democratic transitions, and documenting human rights abuses. It works with a network of partner organizations in Europe, North America, and the post-Soviet space. The foundation has also engaged with the European Parliament, the U.S. Congress, and agencies such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on issues related to sanctions enforcement and corporate transparency read here. Its latest public reports and grant lists are available on its official website and through open charity databases