The work of the SiGMA Foundation continues to demonstrate how global events can become powerful platforms for humanitarian change. Operating alongside the international summits of the SiGMA Group, the foundation connects corporate leaders, artists and philanthropists in support of communities around the world.
Throughout 2025, the foundation’s auctions, partnerships and community programs helped raise over €400,000, with funds directed toward disaster relief, education, healthcare and women’s empowerment programs. Each auction event became a moment where culture, business and humanitarian responsibility intersected.
The events took place across global economic and cultural hubs including Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Latin America, reflecting the foundation’s truly international mission. Here is a look at just a few of the highlights from 2025.
2025 impact: €400,000+ raised for global communities
The year 2025 marked a significant milestone for the foundation as its charitable auctions continued to grow both in scale and influence. The funds raised helped power real-world infrastructure projects while also supporting emergency humanitarian responses to natural disasters.
Much of the foundation’s work focused on building sustainable long-term solutions rather than temporary aid. Educational facilities, healthcare access programs and community empowerment projects were prioritised to help create self-sustaining development ecosystems in underserved regions. In addition to direct project funding, a percentage of ticket sales from SiGMA events was also donated toward charitable initiatives, further strengthening the ESG commitment of the organisation.
Global auction impact
- Dubai auction
The Dubai auction, held during the AIBC Eurasia 2025 summit, raised €47,000 for charitable initiatives. The event showcased how Middle Eastern investors and technology leaders are increasingly supporting humanitarian causes through cultural philanthropy.
Attendees witnessed strong interest in contemporary artworks and collectible auction pieces, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation and philanthropy. The auction floor was highly competitive, with bidders recognising the dual value of art investment and social contribution. A notable moment from this auction came in the form of Punin Group, who dominated the auction with two massive bids totaling 20,000 combined. Their participation reinforced the growing trend of corporate partners treating philanthropic auctions as both cultural engagement opportunities and strategic ESG investments.
- Africa auction
As part of SiGMA Africa 2025, the auction raised €47,000, with strong corporate participation helping drive competitive bidding across multiple artworks.
One of the most meaningful pieces, sold to 1xBet, was a piece called A New Light, a vibrant artistic representation of Africa’s future potential and resilience. The work symbolised unity, strength and progress across the continent. Long-term partner 1xBet remains a consistent supporter of foundation initiatives, contributing by purchasing auction items while also planning continued partnerships for future community programs through 2026.
This auction reinforced the foundation’s commitment to African education and community development programs, many of which continue to be expanded across East Africa.
- Brazil auction
In Brazil during BiS SiGMA South America 2025, the auction raised €23,000, with sports memorabilia once again proving to be one of the most emotionally engaging categories for bidders. A standout moment was the sale of a 1958 World Cup replica jersey, signed in tribute to football legend Pelé. The item sold for €9,000 to Cactus Gaming and was part of the exclusive Pelegacy Collection. The jersey commemorated Brazil’s historic World Cup victory over Sweden and celebrated one of football’s greatest cultural moments.
Sports collectibles consistently attract strong philanthropic bidding because they combine nostalgia, heritage and charitable purpose into a single investment opportunity.
- Asia auction
The SiGMA Asia 2025 auction generated €15,200, with Match Liquidity emerging as one of the most active participants. The company dominated the bidding process, securing four out of five auction items available that evening.
This level of participation highlights the growing interest from Asian fintech and liquidity providers in supporting global charity initiatives. The region continues to demonstrate strong enthusiasm for socially responsible investment opportunities tied to cultural events.
- Malta auction
Malta delivered one of the most successful fundraising nights of the year, generating an impressive €103,500.
The highlight of the evening was a signed football shirt from World Cup champions Lionel Messi, Emi Martínez, and Julián Álvarez. Donated by XBO Booster, the item sold for €24,000, reflecting the enduring global appeal of football memorabilia.
The Malta auction demonstrated how sports culture continues to drive powerful fundraising outcomes for charitable foundations.
- Rome auctions
SiGMA Central Europe 2025 in Rome hosted two highly successful auctions, raising €120,000 in B2B auctions and €73,800 in B2C auctions. Across these two nights, the 2025 edition was hosted at the stunning Cinecitta Studios, home to iconic cinema such as Roman Holiday and Gangs of New York, it provided the perfect stage for an evening of purpose and elegance.
One of the most dramatic bidding moments came when Alea placed a massive €51,000 bid during the B2B awards night auction for The Eternal Return by Lucienne Spiteri. The artwork captured philosophical themes of balance and harmony, symbolising the foundation’s mission of creating sustainable global equilibrium through philanthropy. The evening was filled with high energy competition among corporate bidders seeking to support humanitarian initiatives while acquiring exclusive artworks.
- Sri Lanka auction
The Sri Lanka auction represented one of the most emotionally significant events of the year. The auction was held in response to severe flooding caused by a devastating tropical storm that struck Southeast Asia. Reports indicated that nearly 78,000 people were displaced from their homes, with many families forced into temporary shelters while search-and-rescue operations continued across affected regions.
Long-time SiGMA Auction Host Rick Goddard delivered a passionate opening speech urging delegates to support displaced communities. SiGMA Group founder Eman Pulis emphasised the importance of using conference platforms for humanitarian action.
All proceeds from the auction were dedicated directly to emergency relief programs, helping support displaced families with essential supplies, temporary housing assistance, and community recovery resources. The Sri Lanka auction ultimately stood as a powerful reminder that philanthropy can provide immediate relief during crises while also helping lay the groundwork for sustainable rebuilding and future resilience in disaster-affected communities.
Artists participating in Brazil 2026
The foundation continues to collaborate with internationally recognised artists whose work reflects social themes and cultural identity.
Participating artists at the BiS SiGMA South America 2026 charity auction include:
- Anna Chekh: A renowned Ukrainian born contemporary artist known for her diversity of art, including canvas painting, digital art, sculptures and performances. Her work looks at social topics merging bright colours and gradients pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums. Her artwork has gained international recognition in prestigious locations globally.
- John Charles: An international award winning artist known for his use of vibrant colour and signature gold lines. He takes inspiration from community, environment, media and culture. Originally from Liverpool, John has a strong portfolio of work held in a range of international exhibitions and has won acclaim from art collectors around the world.
Each artist brings a unique perspective, transforming auction pieces into symbolic narratives about community resilience, cultural heritage and global unity. Their contributions help ensure that every auction item carries both artistic and humanitarian value.
Early 2026 inauguration projects
The foundation’s auction activities directly fund its global development programs and the funds raised through 2025 events are now being reinvested into several infrastructure and community development projects across Africa for 2026. These initiatives focus heavily on education, healthcare access and sustainable community growth, ensuring that every auction contribution translates into measurable social impact.
In Ethiopia, auction proceeds are being used to support multiple education and health infrastructure projects. Water tank installations at the Wush Wush Kindergarten in Bonga will provide reliable access to clean drinking water for more than 200 children, helping improve health outcomes and daily school attendance. Additional funding from auction activities is also supporting the construction of four new classrooms at the Kaffa Catholic Martyrs Elementary School. Community development initiatives in Bonga are also being supported through the construction of a sustainable, revenue-generating community center.
In Uganda, auction funds are supporting additional educational infrastructure upgrades. In Kasese, the foundation is funding the construction of new kindergarten learning facilities designed to provide safe, early childhood education environments. Meanwhile, renovation projects in Kaliro are improving existing early learning classrooms, staff facilities, and sanitation infrastructure to create safer, more modern learning spaces for young students.
Through these projects, auction contributions are helping fund critical community services that improve education access, strengthen local economies, and provide essential healthcare and sanitation infrastructure. The foundation continues to prioritise sustainable development models that transform philanthropic donations into long-term community empowerment.
2026 pipeline projects
With focus now set on 2026, the foundation has outlined an ambitious global development roadmap for the year. Healthcare projects will include clean water filtration systems and improved cooking infrastructure in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Women’s empowerment initiatives will be expanded through maternal healthcare projects in Chiri, Ethiopia, where new maternity waiting homes and medical facilities will serve over 30,000 rural residents. Additionally, in Gimbo, Ethiopia, a new primary school extension project will take place consisting of 6 new classrooms.
Youth development will remain a major focus, with projects planned across Cameroon, Nigeria, Kenya. These include youth sports centers, cultural dialogue hubs, and vocational training facilities designed to support economic independence for younger generations.
The SiGMA Foundation’s long-term mission is to build sustainable philanthropic ecosystems. Strategic partnerships with global sponsors, corporate donors and summit participants will continue to drive impact.
Join the movement
The foundation invites individuals and organisations to become part of its global mission. Attending SiGMA summit auctions provides opportunities to acquire exclusive art, support global humanitarian programs and network with international business and philanthropic leaders.
You can directly support development programs by donating, volunteering or sponsoring SiGMA Foundation community projects today. Visit the official Foundation page to learn how you can help drive real change across the world.
