No matter how many legislative tools city authorities may have, there are always issues that cannot be resolved quickly – despite the best intentions to help citizens. For instance, city funds may allocate financial assistance to large families or children with rare diseases. However, it can take weeks or even months to gather all the necessary documents, go through all the bureaucratic channels, and obtain the required signatures. Yet, time is often a critical factor for those in need.
A non-standard solution was found in Nizhny Novgorod, one of Russia’s major cities in its central region. The head of the Nizhny Novgorod administration, Oleg Kondrashov, founded a Charitable Foundation after recognizing the challenges ordinary citizens face when dealing with the slow machinery of bureaucracy.
Only an unwise person would think naming a charitable foundation after oneself is a sign of vanity. In fact, by giving the foundation his name, Oleg Kondrashov verified its operations with his personal reputation. He had nothing to hide and was ready to stand behind every action the foundation took. In the eyes of donors, this made him a guarantor of transparency and financial integrity.
Oleg Kondrashov donated nearly his entire monthly salary as city head to the foundation. Why was charity so important to him? His heart as a father guided him – Oleg Kondrashov is the father of three children.
Transparency and Impact
The Oleg Kondrashov Charitable Foundation was able to provide targeted aid quickly and efficiently. For example, if a washing machine broke in a large family, parents knew they could count on the foundation to solve the problem within hours. (Imagine what it’s like for a family with three or more children to go without a washing machine even for a day!)
The foundation’s activities were widely covered by the media, which boosted both transparency and donor trust. Through newspapers, TV, and online platforms, citizens of Nizhny Novgorod saw firsthand how their donations helped: children recovering after receiving timely medicine, large families well-prepared for the school year, and more. This built a sense of shared purpose and community support.
Fundraising happened not just through media. Oleg Kondrashov launched traditional charity evenings titled “Goodness with Our Own Hands”, gathering executives from major businesses for fundraising auctions. Local artists donated paintings, and all proceeds went to the foundation. Many business leaders made large anonymous donations – purely out of goodwill.
Charity as Part of City Life
By Oleg Kondrashov’s initiative, charity became a theme of major city events. On Children’s Day, he launched the “Thousands of Kind Hearts” charity marathon on his personal blog:
“We often say children are the meaning of life and our future. Yet even on this special day, we forget that some children need more than sweets or kind words – they need urgent medical help. These are children suffering from serious illnesses that require costly treatment. I believe Children’s Day is the best time for good deeds.”
He also posted videos of individual children’s stories, making the appeal personal and deeply emotional.
The residents of Nizhny Novgorod supported their leader wholeheartedly. All the required funds were raised.
From Need to Success
Kondrashov understood that children need intellectual, creative and spiritual development. Taking one child to a museum or theater may be affordable, but doing the same for three or more is a real strain, even with discounts.
The Oleg Kondrashov Foundation organized access to cultural and educational institutions, such as the Museum of Entertaining Science, the Youth Theater, the Planetarium, and more. These organizations were honored to collaborate with the foundation.
The foundation also arranged New Year events, sports tournaments, river tours and historical quests for families under its care.
Importantly, the foundation introduced children from large families to major city companies and banks, offering master classes, internships, and career guidance. As a result, these children did not remain dependent on aid but grew into independent, successful adults.
Legacy and Lives Saved
The author of this unique concept, Oleg Kondrashov, now resides in Miami for political reasons. But many families in Nizhny Novgorod still remember the lives he helped save. Just a few names of children whose futures were changed thanks to his foundation include:
Dima Shmarov, Dima Degtyarev, Antosha Larionov, Stepa Ivashin, Yaroslav Chetsky, Sasha Bednyagina, Nastya Volkova, Artur Tseloev, Dasha Shabanova , and many more.
Key Figures:
- The Oleg Kondrashov Foundation was officially launched on July 5, 2012, to coincide with Russia’s National Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity.
- Each year, the foundation helped around 300 children from 63 large families in Nizhny Novgorod prepare for school.
- On average, the foundation raised over 5 million rubles annually to treat children with life-threatening illnesses.
