Who are we?
The Hispanic-Portuguese Rei Afonso Henriques Foundation is a private institution with public participation, established by public deed on February 7, 1994. This foundation was registered in the Spanish Foundations Registry under order number 26379 on October 31 of the same year, and its recognition was published in the Official State Gazette on November 29, 1994.
In Portugal, the Foundation also obtained recognition as a Legal Entity of Public Utility through a decree issued by the Prime Minister and published in the Diário da República, IIª series, number 29 on February 4, 1999.
A significant achievement for the Foundation was its distinction with the High Patronage of the President of the Republic of Portugal on July 25, 1995, an honor that enriches its commitment and contribution to both nations.
Trustees
The Board of Trustees represents the highest governing body of the Foundation, responsible for its direction and administration. It is constitutionally composed of both individuals and legal entities, including companies, associations, public bodies, universities, and supranational and regional entities from both Spain and Portugal.
The Board of Trustees includes a General Council of Founders and may establish an Executive Delegated Committee, an Accounts Delegated Committee, and other Delegated Committees, each with its respective functions. The Board of Trustees may also establish an Honorary Board.
Members of the Board of Trustees:
- Diputación Provincial de Zamora: www.diputaciondezamora.es
- Ayuntamiento de Zamora: www.ayto-zamora.org
- Cámara Municipal de Bragança: www.cm-braganca.pt
- Junta de Castilla y León: www.jcyl.es
- Caja Rural de Zamora: www.cajaruraldigital.com
- Instituto Politécnico de Bragança: www.ipb.pt
- CEOE-Cepyme Zamora: www.ceoecepymeza.org
- Cámara Oficial de Comercio e Industria de Zamora: www.camarazamora.com
Bylaws
The bylaws clearly establish our structure, objectives, functions, and responsibilities. We want everyone to have access to this information and to better understand the foundation of our actions.
We believe in transparency and participation, and we hope that the disclosure of our bylaws contributes to a better understanding of our work and strengthens our commitments.
Our history
In 1994, a group of individuals, both private and public institutions from Spain and Portugal with ties to the cultural and business fields, came together to establish the Rei Afonso Henriques Foundation (FRAH). At that time, the institution was founded, which, as mentioned earlier, would obtain official recognition in Spain and Portugal through the corresponding legal procedures.
From that point, the organizational structure of the FRAH was created, its bylaws were approved, its internal regulations were defined, and its objectives and purposes were clearly outlined.
These objectives are focused on contributing to the well-being of people throughout the Duero River Basin and on strengthening cultural, social, and economic relationships between Northern Portugal and the Community of Castilla y León. To achieve this, various initiatives and projects will be carried out to promote cooperation in the border region and foster mutual understanding, bringing together the realities of these geographical regions.
To carry out all its activities, it was essential to have an emblematic space. An agreement was reached to acquire, rehabilitate, and equip the former Convent of San Francisco extra-Pontem in the city of Zamora. This historic space turned out to be ideal for developing all the Foundation's initiatives. The collaboration between the Diputación de Zamora, the Junta de Castilla y León, and the European Union through its INTERREG II program made the creation of the Foundation's headquarters a reality.
The Diputación de Zamora, as the owner of the building, granted it to the FRAH to carry out its foundational purposes. The inauguration of this headquarters took place on October 31, 1998, and was attended by representatives from the European Union, the Junta de Castilla y León, the Diputación de Zamora, and all the members who were part of the Foundation's Board of Trustees at that time.
It's worth noting that, as a binational institution, FRAH has a branch in the city of Braganza, Portugal.
Over the years, FRAH has carried out numerous activities, as reflected in its Annual Reports. These activities have received support from both the Board of Trustees and the European Union through various economic, social, and cultural programs.