Group Associations in Philanthropy 

ADCS Asociación Dominicana de Caballería de Sangre

is a prestigious association dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and advancement of purebred equestrian traditions in the Dominican Republic. Focused on the breeding, training, and showcasing of high-quality horses, ADCS unites equine enthusiasts, breeders, and professionals with a shared passion for excellence. Through events, exhibitions, and educational initiatives, the association fosters the rich cultural heritage of horseback riding, while supporting the development of the Dominican Republic’s equestrian community.

ACDCD Asociación Caribense de los Descendientes de los Cosacos del Don

The Asociación Caribense de los Descendientes de los Cosacos del Don is a prestigious association dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of the Don Cossacks, whose descendants now reside on the Caribbean. As an integral part of a broader cultural network, the ACDCD serves as a guardian of traditions, fostering a deep sense of community and identity among its members. Through various cultural, educational, and social initiatives, the association aims to honor the legacy of the Don Cossacks while adapting their timeless values to the modern world. The ACDCD is a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of its people.

Christlicher Hilfsverein Wismar e.V.

For more than three decades, the Christlicher Hilfsverein Wismar e.V. (see here) has provided steadfast support to those in need across Albania, from isolated mountain villages to bustling cities. Over these years, Albania has undergone profound transformations, and so too has the scope of the association's efforts. Enduring partnerships have flourished, and numerous friendships have been forged. Since 2022, the organization has also expanded its mission to include vital projects for Ukrainian refugees.

Dominican Hoch & Deutschmeister Enthusiasts

The Dominican Hoch & Deutschmeister Enthusiasts is an association dedicated to celebrating and preserving the rich military and cultural heritage of the Hoch- und Deutschmeister regiments. 

Committed to fostering a deep appreciation for the traditions of these historic units, the association engages in educational activities, reenactments, and cultural events. By honoring the legacy of the Deutschmeister regiments, the association brings together enthusiasts who share a passion for history, pageantry, and camaraderie, ensuring that this storied tradition continues to inspire future generations.

Instituto Vorontsov (Воронцов) Ruso-Dominicano  

is an esteemed association dedicated to the study and promotion of Dominican and Slavic cultural exchange. Focused on fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, the institute offers educational programs, cultural events, and research initiatives that explore the rich historical ties between the Dominican Republic and Slavic nations. Through its activities, the Instituto Vorontsov (Воронцов) Ruso-Dominicano serves as a bridge between these diverse cultures, promoting dialogue, heritage appreciation, and scholarly exploration, while contributing to the cultural enrichment of both communities. 

The Vorontsov Institute also seeks to highlight the remarkable commercial foresight demonstrated by the Weyler family, who, during the expedition of Field Marshal Vorontsov, strategically placed one of their sons within the staff responsible for establishing and inaugurating representations for Central European industrial enterprises in the territories conquered between 1844 and 1853. This pioneering initiative exemplified an extraordinary level of risk-taking for the era, as the Weyler family became the first to establish such enterprises in Tiflis, Sokhumi, Yerevan, and other key locations, setting a precedent in the fusion of commerce and exploration.



The Brotherhood of the Gentlemen of the Imperial Russian Military and Chevaliers’ Order of Saint George in France (since 1769)

The Brotherhood of the Gentlemen of the Imperial Russian Military and the Chevaliers’ Order of Saint George in France is a prestigious association dedicated to preserving the legacy of the historic Franco-Russian order founded in 1769. As the guardian of this illustrious tradition, the Brotherhood embodies and promotes the enduring values of chivalry, honour, and service that define the order’s ethos.


Through its cultural, charitable, and educational endeavours, the association bridges the past and the present, fostering a profound connection to its rich heritage while addressing contemporary challenges. As part of a wider network of like-minded institutions, the Brotherhood stands as a symbol of historical continuity, unity, and excellence, inspiring future generations with its commitment to noble ideals.

The MCA of Saint George 

is a vibrant and dedicated association devoted to the promotion and preservation of the cultural and historical traditions entwined with the legacy of Cavalry and the revered figure of Saint George, a timeless emblem of valour and guardianship. The association serves as a cornerstone for cultivating a profound sense of community through an array of cultural, educational, and charitable endeavours. 

 

By orchestrating events, workshops, and initiatives, the MCA of Saint George seeks to celebrate and perpetuate the rich heritage of the Cavalry, ensuring its enduring legacy resonates with future generations. Rooted in the noble principles of courage, honour, selfless service, and the respectful education of horses, the association aspires to inspire and uphold these values as a guiding beacon for the present and future generations.. 



Orthodox Leper Brother Knights of Bethany

The Brotherhood of the Leper Brother Knights of Bethany or later known as the Lazarists, was a monastic hospitaller and military order created long before the fall of Jerusalem to the first Crusaders and is most certainly the earliest such order in the Holy Land. In those days noble knights, men only, from all three monotheistic religious groups present at that time in Jerusalem, Jews, Muslims and orthodox Christians of Greek, Armenian, Georgian, Abyssinian faith and origin served a true and noble cause without falling into the trap of oecumenia, where everyone has for the sake of a truce, to give up something crucial of his own belief, were treatened alike, and treated frail travelers, patients and leprosy affected sick people to the best of their knowledge.

 

Later, during the 1130s the Brotherhood merged in as a hospitaller order, and the earliest reference to the order's new military activity is dated to 1234. It was recognized by King Fulk in 1142, and canonically recognized as a hospitaller and military order of chivalry under the rule of Saint Augustine in the Papal bull “Cum a Nobis Petitur” of Pope Alexander IV in 1255. Although they were centered on their charism of caring for those afflicted with leprosy, the Lazarite Knights notably fought in the Siege of Acre in 1191, in Arsuf, in the Battle of Jaffa in 1192, the Battle of La Forbie in 1244, and in the Defense of Acre in 1291. The titular seat was successively situated at Jerusalem, then Acre.

After the fall of the Kingdom of Acre, the order split into two main branches - in Italy and in France and while it slowly disappeared, only to be revived in 1910, but to this date still not recognized by the Pope. The three hospitals in Jerusalem, of Saint Mary, Saint John and Saint John the Babtist continued to be taken care of and ran, by the same orthodox brotherhood, first under the rule of Salaheddin and then under his successors and through the time.

 

The Orthodox Leper Brother Knights of Bethany do not claim to be an offshoot of a long-defunct “order”. On the contrary, they are a “real” “new” brotherhood that lives and works exactly according to the principles of the original brotherhood. In the Dominican Republic, but also elsewhere, everywhere where the knights of the brotherhood, who is a noble fraternity dedicated to serving the most vulnerable and upholding the timeless values of compassion, charity, and faith, have taken the correct knightly vow, which is taken after 4 years, of work as a cadet.

Rooted in the sacred traditions of the Orthodox Christian Church of the earliest days, not divided in the three monotheistic faiths but united in them and their unique value, this distinguished brotherhood traces its spiritual lineage to the ancient Brotherhood of Bethany, a community renowned for its selfless care of lepers and the marginalised.

 

Established as a beacon of hope and service in the Holy Land, Austria, France, the United Kingdom, North America, as Grand Commanderies, the Dominican Republic as the Seat of the Grand Master and many Commanderies in many countries, the Orthodox Leper Brother Knights of Bethany work tirelessly to address pressing social challenges. Through a combination of charitable initiatives, spiritual outreach, and humanitarian programmes, the brotherhood provides aid to the impoverished, care for the sick, and support for those in need. At the heart of its mission lies a profound commitment to embodying the teachings of the Early Christianity, with a focus on healing, reconciliation, and community building. The Brotherhood actively engages with local communities, promoting not only physical well-being but also spiritual growth and cultural preservation.

 

By honouring its historical heritage while addressing contemporary needs, the Orthodox Leper Brother Knights of Bethany intend to create a new pillar of compassion and dignity, fostering unity and faith in the World.

Weylerbourg Doña Manuelica Foundation

In 2014, the Weyler Weylerbourg Altenbourg family, under the leadership of Count Carlos Alejandro Ernesto Juan Henrique Weyler Weylerbourg Altenbourg de Navas—then Lieutenant General of the Holy Russian Military and a Chevalier of the Ordre de Saint-Georges in France—laid the groundwork for the Weylerbourg Doña Manuelica Foundation. Today, this esteemed foundation is presided over by Doña Griselda Villanueva de Weyler Weylerbourg Altenbourg de Navas, who currently leads the family group. 

 

Initially conceptualised in the United Kingdom in 2014, the Weylerbourg Doña Manuelica Foundation was formally established in the Dominican Republic in October 2024. Chaired by Doña Griselda, the foundation is dedicated to fostering a wide range of productive activities and advancing the nation’s development. As a non-profit institution, its mission is to contribute sustainably to the promotion and fair appreciation of two foundational pillars of Dominican culture: the reverence for history as the bedrock of identity and the investment in children as the citizens of tomorrow. By honouring the past and nurturing the future, the foundation seeks to preserve and enhance the values that define and strengthen the nation.