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Family, Inspiration and Mission

Introduction

The Chinyere and Chinelo Ikoku Charitable Trusts are a set of philanthropic trusts dedicated to fostering philanthropy and good works concerning Africa, its global diasporas and a range of shared societiesĀ ā€”Ā all of which are intended to be working toward the betterment of lives across the globe. The Trusts are named after Professor Chinyere Ukeagumo Ikoku and Dr (Mrs) Chinelo Cecelia Ikoku, both late, who dedicated their own lives toĀ education, research and service within and for the above communities, societies and continents.

The Family

The Ikoku Charitable Trusts were founded by the eldest son of Professor and Dr (Mrs) IkokuĀ ā€”Ā Alvan Azinna IkokuĀ ā€” and The TrustsĀ have remained under further development and management by the Founder in collaboration with their two other children, Ijeoma Chinwe Ikoku and Chinyere Ukeagumo Ikoku Jr.

Overlapping and Overarching Mission

The Ikoku Charitable Trusts therefore have an overarching mission developed from several generations of work within and for the above communities, societies and continentsĀ ā€” a set of overlapping careers and experiences in education, research and service marked as much by systemic difficulties and personal loss as they have been by impact, success and a sustained belief in better futures. The result are emphases ofĀ support for good works that help the public understand Africaā€™s essential place in a global future, one that is to be more knowledgeable, environmentally sound, just and equitable, and furthermore of clear ethical benefit to varied peoples inhabiting shared and complex societies across the globe.

Relationships with Africa

The originating charitable mission and purposes are thus inspired by a desire to deepen public knowledge and recognition of the full and varied range of peoples with continental as well as global relationships to Africa. Such philanthropic work has as its core objectives deeper understandings and enhancements of a history of peoples who continually contribute to the cultural, intellectual and material conditions of contemporary life ā€” in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australasia and Europe.

Relationships with Global Communities

The Ikoku Charitable Trusts draw further inspiration from the full range of interconnected peoples who contribute to the cultural, intellectual and material conditions of life in communities, societies and continents. Who have done so despite an equally long history of systemic difficulties. Who nevertheless maintain an unyielding belief that the betterment of their human condition will foster the betterment of those living around them, and will enhance the futures of the regularly underserved,Ā underrepresented, underresourced, stigmatized, marginalized and disenfranchised. The Ikoku Charitable Trusts ask us toĀ thus learn from such examples a vision of the public good and a shared but just community that is our hope and goal.

View from Below of Bridge Cables
Lekki Ikoyi Bridge, Lagos, Nigeria, February 2019 (Babatunde Olajide)

Approaches to Good Works

Establishment of the Trusts

The Ikoku Charitable Trusts were established by Alvan Azinna Chibuzo Ikoku, in honor of his parents, Professor Chinyere and Dr (Mrs) Chinelo Ikoku, and in direct response to ongoing, present-day and past infringements of civil liberties, civil rights, human rights, and fundamental freedoms and rights. The Founder also acknowledges and draws inspiration from a history of such infringements, diminishment and abrogation of freedoms, liberties and rights endured by varied persons and peoples in Africa, its global diasporas and a range of interconnected societies.

Guiding Principles for Philanthropy

Such conditions and inspiration for the establishment of The Ikoku Charitable Trusts are reflected in the principles and terms set forth by the Founder, Alvan Azinna Chibuzo Ikoku, in the Declaration of Trust of the Chinyere and Chinelo Charitable Trusts and in the Founding and Governing Code of Ethics. These principles and terms ultimately inform, guide and govern the activities, operations, work and philanthropy conducted and supported by The Ikoku Charitable Trusts.

Originating Grant

The originating endowment for The Ikoku Charitable Trusts ā€” constituted as part of the Founderā€™s Declaration of Trust ā€” was derived from monetary contributions made by Alvan Azinna Chibuzo Ikoku arising from his and his parentsā€™ lifelong work entailing education, research and service in university, public and private spheres.

Subsequent Enhancement and Growth

And as stipulated in the Declaration of Trust, subsequent enhancements to the originating endowment of The Ikoku Charitable Trusts are to be made via the dedication of donated assets to twelve (12)Ā Trusts Areas of Philanthropy and Public BenefitĀ created by the Founder, each focused on improvements in the following:

The Auspices of the Trusts Areas

Thus, much of the good works of Ikoku Charitable Trusts are administered, developed and supported under the auspices of theĀ Trusts Areas of Philanthropy and Public Benefit ā€” which are not separable lines of account ā€” but areas that help focus attention, commitment, resources and assessment as The Ikoku Charitable Trusts conceive, conduct, fund and periodically review charitable efforts.

Decision-Making and Operations

TheseĀ Trusts Areas of Philanthropy and Public BenefitĀ also frame the manner in which Ikoku Charitable Trusts make decisions regarding projects and good works. Together ā€” and through thoughtful consideration at the level of the executive leadership, boards and committees ā€” The Ikoku Charitable Trusts and The Ikoku Foundations identify concerns within the Trusts Areas to be addressed by their administrative, funding and operational priorities, then develop such decision-making and planning into philanthropic projects and good works, to carried out primarily by The Ikoku Foundations themselves.

Further in The Trusts Areas

To learn more about the Trusts Areas of Philanthropy and Public BenefitĀ ā€” including an introductory description, access to projects and reports ā€” please do see theĀ General Page on the Trusts Areas.

Actor in Macbeth Costume
Macbeth, Undated (New York Public Library)
Schoolgirl in Uniform at Doorway Looking Above
In Uniform, Liberia, March 2019 (Adrianna Van Groningen)
Girl Kneeling in Busy Street
Tibetan Girl, 2017 (Journey Yang)

Approaches to Good Governance

Mandate and Scope

One primary mandate and attendant set of fiduciary responsibilities of The Chinyere and Chinelo Ikoku Charitable TrustsĀ concern the administration and management of assets for two charitable foundations ā€”Ā The Chinyere and Chinelo Ikoku FoundationĀ and The Alvan Azinna Chibuzo Ikoku FoundationĀ ā€” each of which were established by the Founder and President, Alvan Azinna Chibuzo Ikoku.

Philosophy and Approach

The philosophy and resultant approach to governance here is to design a governing structure commensurate with a set of charitable purposes and works operating within and across communities, societies and continents. And so the governance of Ikoku Charitable TrustsĀ must be capable of being attentive to needs, engagement, participation, impact and review at the local and global levelĀ ā€”Ā across the complex states and societies where the people and communities they serve reside, living shared, interdependent lives.

Structure and Boards

This has led to a decision to have The Ikoku Charitable Trusts and The Ikoku Foundations governed, respectively, by a Board of Trustees and a set of Advisory Boards of Directors. Details of the three-board system can be found on the page for Governance.

Documents and Policies

For immediate access to all corporate documents and policies, please see theĀ Governance and All Policies pages.

Further Details on Governance

And for further details on our Founding and Governance ā€” including history, structure and documents of formation and governance ā€” please do start with theĀ General Page on Governance

Woman Bending Down to Tend Crops
Sierra Leone, 2017 (Annie Spratt)
Child in Costume Looking at Camera
NiƱo, Cusco, Peru, 2018 (Ben Ostrower)
Woman Seated on Mat on Floor, Holding Fan
Seated, Kpone Katamanso District Assembly Office, Tema, Ghana, 2017 (Nathaniel Tetteh)
People Holding Peace Banner and Respect Sign
Women's March, Boston, USA, 2017, (Alice Donovan Rouse)

Also at The Trusts

As stated earlier, The Ikoku Charitable Trusts is dedicated to fostering philanthropy and good works concerning Africa, its global diasporas and a range of shared societies ā€” toward the betterment of lives across the globe. And so in accordance with the above, The Trusts provides the following:

I.

A Nonprofit Dedicated to Africa

An independent, private, non-profit organization that serves the public interest in Africa and its global diasporas ā€” by advancing education and research and by also supporting creative ideas, civic endeavors and emerging communities, organizations and societies.

II.

Support for a Global and Just Future

A founding mission and ongoing emphases of support for good works that help the public understand Africaā€™s essential place in a global future, one that is to be more knowledgeable, environmentally sustainable, equitable and of benefit across communities in just societies.

III.

A Vision of the Public Good

A vision of the public good that accounts for the past while ensuring a just and shared future. That draws inspiration from peoples who, despite a history of systemic difficulties, maintain an unyielding belief that the betterment of their human condition will foster the betterment of those living around them and will enhance the present and futures of the regularly disenfranchised, marginalized and underserved.

More About Us

The Ikoku Trusts

About Us ā€¢ Governance ā€¢ Policies