Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Holocaust education and remembrance is increasingly relevant and important in a world with rising antisemitism. In addition, during COVID-19, we have been meeting a public need by providing inspirational educational online programming, with many of our programs being free of charge.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Research and Documentation
The Foundation has begun to compile a database of individuals and families saved by Sousa Mendes and videotape testimonies of visa recipients. Members of the Board of Directors and National Advisory Council have also published articles on Holocaust research and presented at numerous conferences on refugees and rescue during the Holocaust.
Exhibition
The Foundation has developed a traveling exhibition that tells the story of the events of June 1940, when Sousa Mendes, at his own personal peril, decided to issue Portuguese visas to all refugees. It documents his punishment and downfall at the hands of the Portuguese government, as well as the stories of many of those he saved. The Foundation also presents two films about Sousa Mendes --Disobedience: The Sousa Mendes Story" and "With God against Man," and hosts post-screening discussions.
Education
The Sousa Mendes Foundation has published "Aristides de Sousa Mendes: Hero of the Holocaust."This 36-page graphic novel by famed cartoonist José Ruy tells the gripping true story of Aristides de Sousa Mendes and his decision to defy the direct orders of his government in order to save the lives of thousands of refugees during the 1940 exodus from Nazi-occupied Europe. This vividly illustrated, full-color book, translated into English by Della Peretti, is designed to enlighten and inspire young readers, ages 10-15, with the lesson that one person can make a difference. The back section of the book includes photographs of the real people involved in the story — Aristides de Sousa Mendes, his family, and many of those that he saved.
Film
The Sousa Mendes Foundation is the North-American representative and distributor of the award-winning film, "Disobedience: The Sousa Mendes Story" starring Bernard Lecoq in the role of Aristides de Sousa Mendes. Dir: Joel Santoni.
Where we work
Affiliations & memberships
Member, Association of Holocaust Organizations 2022
External reviews

Videos
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Number of multi-year grants received
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Research and Documentation
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
We received a three-year research grant from the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference).
Number of different periodicals published
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Adolescents
Related Program
Education
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
We publish an Annual Report of our activities. In addition we have published two books -- a graphic novel for young people and a family memoir with accompanying curricular unit.
Number of teachers recruited
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults
Related Program
Education
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
We recruit teachers from around the world to participate in our Holocaust education tour, "Journey on the Road to Freedom." We also have numerous teachers who participate in our online programming.
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Founded in 2010, the Sousa Mendes Foundation is dedicated to honoring the memory of the Holocaust rescuer Aristides de Sousa Mendes and to educating the world about his action. It has a two-fold mission: raising funds for the restoration of the Casa do Passal and the creation within its walls of a museum and memorial site; and sponsoring US-based projects that perpetuate his legacy.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
The Sousa Mendes Foundation organizes events throughout North America such as film screenings, exhibition, conferences, lectures, and remembrance events.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
The members of the Sousa Mendes Foundation's Board of Directors bring a depth of knowledge and wealth of experience to the organization.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Hundreds of events organized throughout North America. Press coverage in leading national and international newspapers. Unique and important Holocaust remembrance tour for Holocaust survivor families and Holocaust educators. During the COVID-91 period we have pioneered innovative online programming featuring inspiring stories of rescue, resistance and hope.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization collecting feedback from the people you serve?
We receive audience feedback during and after each program.,
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve,
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What significant change resulted from feedback?
Audience suggestions have resulted in several of our programs.
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With whom is the organization sharing feedback?
Our staff, Our board,
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback,
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
ARISTIDES DE SOUSA MENDES FOUNDATION-US
Board of directorsas of 1/17/2022
Dr. Olivia Mattis
Mariana Abrantes de Sousa
Daniel Subotnik
Leah Sills
Monique Krohn
Robert Jacobvitz
Mordecai Paldiel
Olivia Mattis
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Not applicable -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Not applicable -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Not applicable
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? GuideStar partnered on this section with CHANGE Philanthropy and Equity in the Center.
Leadership
No data
Race & ethnicity
No data
Gender identity
No data
No data
Sexual orientation
No data
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 01/28/2021GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.