As a charitable organization, the American Foundation of Savoy Orders’ mission, history and current grant making strategies are rooted in supporting local, national and international charities focusing in medical, educational and humanitarian assistance fields. The Savoy Foundation focuses its philanthropy on hospitals and relief agencies for the poor, sick and elderly. Our grants continue the centuries old hospitaller traditions of the ancient but still active Savoy Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus. The Foundation’s Savoy Orders Pigott Scholarships support U.S. college and graduate students. Our unique Savoy Lecture Series fosters historic and cultural knowledge about Italy and the 1,000-year traditions of the Royal House of Savoy. The Foundation’s Emergency Response Fund supports emergency relief efforts throughout the world to victims of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods.
The Savoy Foundation recently inaugurated its charitable initiative Chivalry for Children's Causes - to support organizations providing integral humanitarian aid and intervention services for disadvantaged children and youth.
The Foundation is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in Roster Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Since 2005, our scholarship students have participated in the medical, poverty and educational work of the United Nations.
The Foundation was Incorporated in New York in 1993, as a United States not-for-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Our North American and international, philanthropic work is generously supported by tax-deductible contributions of the members and friends of the American Delegation of Savoy Orders.
Savoy Orders Chivalry for Children's Causes
Events
While deeply rooted in the past, the Savoy Orders are actively engaged in the challenges of modern society. Every year the proceeds from the Foundation's annual fundraising events - Ballo di Savoia (Savoy Ball) and the Festa della Primavera (Spring Reception) in New York City and Notte di Savoia Los Angeles (Night of Savoy Los Angeles) are donated to hospitals, war veterans' disability programs, children's social assistance and other humanitarian causes.
These events provide valuable support enabling the Savoy Foundation to carry out its charitable work to aid children’s causes, hospice care for the poor, sick and infirm, emergency disaster relief and educational programs.
The generous participation of the Knights, Dames and friends of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus and the Order of Merit of Savoy fosters the continuation of the Savoy Orders’ role in humanitarian and hospitaller assistance and support for its cultural, educational and social initiatives.
Upcoming Events
2026 Calendar of Events
Programs
The American Foundation of Savoy Orders has established three programs: The Savoy Lecture Series, the Savoy Orders Pigott Scholarships, and an NGO Program in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. These programs are in keeping with the noble traditions of honor and service that distinguish the centuries-old Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy and the significant tole that the Savoy dynasty played in European history, culture and philanthropy.
Savoy Lecture Series
The Savoy Foundation plays host to the most eminent historians, writers, artists and thinkers in the nation. Beginning with our inaugural lecture in 2003, the annual Savoy Lecture Series features a wealth of topics across historical periods and themes, with an emphasis on the Savoy dynasty and European history and culture. A broad range of topics, particularly in relation to Italy, are presented by eminent scholars, curators, writers and visual artists. Highlights from current exhibitions, film discussions, and musical performances enhance the historical and contemporary significance of the presentations.
Savoy Orders Pigott Scholarships
The American Foundation of Savoy Orders is pleased to announce the following three Savoy Orders Pigott Scholarships recipients for the 2024 – 2025 academic year:
Mr. Quintin Alexander of Piscataway, New Jersey
Ms. Bailey Millet of Lexington, Kentucky
Ms. Ava Riverso of Fishkill, New York
Charitable Grants
Since it was founded in 1993, the Savoy Foundation has been committed to philanthropic initiatives, following the centuries old traditions of the Savoy Orders. The diverse charitable giving list includes contributions to support local, national and international charities focused on providing medical, educational and humanitarian assistance, as well as social assistance charities that provide services to those in need such as children's welfare and elderly hospice care and scholarship grants to support university students in the fields of arts, humanities and international studies.
Some of the beneficiaries of Savoy Foundation grants have been the following:
Mercy Ships supports life-changing surgical procedures performed on hospital ships bringing hope and healing to the forgotten poor.
Guide Dog Foundation-America’s VetDogs Program works to meet the needs of disabled veterans by providing guide and service dogs specially trained to provide balance, relieve stress or perform other tasks.
The New York Foundling’s Camp Felix Program aims to improve the quality of life of children in disadvantaged circumstances, to gain self-esteem and to develop life skills with an overnight camp experience each summer, providing a week-long adventure to change their outlook on life, their future, and their sense of pride...
Donate
Make a donation to your chosen charity. We truly appreciate your support of our mission and programs.
Contact us about making a bequest in your estate plan to support our mission and secure your philanthropic legacy.
News
House of Savoy Joyfully Welcomes Pope Leo XIV
As soon as the news of the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Successor of Peter was received, His Royal Highness Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy, Prince of Piedmont and Prince of Venice, released the following statement:
“It is with deep emotion that I share the joy of the House of Savoy in receiving the news of the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Successor of Peter. The bonds that unite the House of Savoy with the Catholic Church are indissoluble and rooted in a millennial history. We now have a new Pontiff, to whom we immediately offer our unconditional devotion. Together with all the members of my House and of the Dynastic Orders of the House of Savoy, we accompany the Pope in prayer, with the firm intention to continue our charitable mission, never forgetting the least and those existential peripheries that Pope Francis constantly indicated as the horizon in which to act—especially in the context of this Jubilee Year.”
In Memoriam: His Holiness Pope Francis
The American Delegation of Savoy Orders expresses its sincere condolences to the Holy See and all the faithful on news of the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Pope Francis will be remembered for his advocacy for migrants and refugees. A true shepherd who travelled globally spreading the Good News of Christ and His Church. Truly his hands and heart connected with both the joy and suffering of billions of people.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.
H.R.H. Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Delegate
John L. J. Gelati, Vice Delegate
Rev. Michael Lankford-Stokes, Delegation Chaplain
American Delegation of Savoy Orders
From H.R.H. Prince Emanuele Filiberto, Grand Master of the Savoy Orders, on the passing of His Holiness Pope Franci
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