About
For nearly two decades, the CORA Foundation has been dedicated to safeguarding and celebrating culture and heritage. Founded on the belief that cultural legacies connect us to our past and shape a more inclusive future, the foundation works on a global scale to support projects that protect, elevate, and interpret culture and heritage in all its forms.
Mission
To see culture and heritage across the globe protected, elevated, and interpreted.
Network
Beyond funding, the foundation fosters a dynamic network of cultural stewards—innovators, experts, and advocates whose dedication and creativity drive meaningful change. By championing these voices, the CORA Foundation helps ensure that culture and heritage remain vital forces for understanding, connection, and progress worldwide.
Advisory Board
Robin is the President and Founder of the CORA Foundation since 2007. She had a lifetime career in global Travel & Tourism and a dedication to global heritage protection. She has served on boards in the public sector, tourism industry and non profit foundations including Tourism Cares, a Commissioner for US-UNESCO at US State Dept and the World Travel & Tourism Commission of London.
Irina served as UNESCO Director-General between 2009 and 2017, the first woman to lead the organization. Previously Bulgaria’s Ambassador to France and UNESCO, she played a key role in shaping the UN’s Agenda 2030. Educated at Moscow State, University of Maryland, and Harvard, she was named one of Forbes' most influential women in 2016.
Omar is a Palestinian Kuwaiti British film director, producer and philanthropist. He studied in Cairo and Oxford before releasing his first documentary, Dreams & Silence (1991). He oversees the A.M. Qattan Foundation, supporting cultural and educational initiatives in Palestine and the Arab world, including The Mosaic Rooms in London.
Colleen is a specialist in cultural strategy and museum management, with leadership experience at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Versailles, Denmark’s National Gallery, and London's Royal Academy. She co-founded CORA Foundation and has served as Vice President since 2013. Her work focuses on ensuring strong governance, supporting international cultural partnerships and capacity building, and advancing resilience for partner organizations.
Joe is a London-based business development expert with 18 years’ experience in the art world. He founded Dunning & Partners in 2020 after senior roles at Christie’s and Sotheby’s. He advises cultural organizations, mentors emerging talent, and teaches at the Sotheby’s Institute. He holds degrees from Oxford and King’s College, London.
Marco is the CEO and Founder of Ancon Expeditions of Panama (AEP), Panama’s premier ecotravel company, where he leads a team of experienced and professional sales representatives, trip leaders, and drivers. Under his leadership, AEP has pioneered the meaning of responsible travel in Panama.
Madeleine is Curator of V&A East, opening in 2025. Previously an independent curator in London and New York, she worked on major exhibitions at MoMA and the Hispanic Society. A Princeton PhD and Fulbright recipient, she serves on advisory committees for institutions including the Met and Harvard Art Museums.
Eddie is President and CEO of Grantmakers in the Arts, with leadership experience in nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors. Formerly NYC’s deputy cultural affairs commissioner, they shaped the city’s cultural and sustainability plans. Torres has held roles at The Rockefeller Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Bronx Council on the Arts.
History
CORA Foundation began in 2007 as a US 501c3 private family foundation named Tauck Ritzau Innovative Philanthropy, by its founder Robin Tauck. During a 42 year career in global tourism, she had a passion for supporting diverse cultures and elevating heritage advocacy with innovative strategies. Since then, over 250 grants were awarded in 23 countries; with programs and thinktanks convening changemakers from the public, private and non profit sectors. Because “Culture Matters.”
