The Valentino Danchev Foundation (VDF), established by Bulgarian-Mexican entrepreneur Kaloyan Valentinov Danchev, is on a mission to ignite the spirit of democracy around the world. At VDF, we are committed to inspiring a deeper public understanding of Western institutions, supporting the free press, and advocating for policies that foster shared peace and security. Empowering the next generation is at the very heart of our work. We educate young people on the transformative power of political participation, government transparency, and civic engagement, while standing boldly against corruption and the erosion of integrity in global politics. To drive positive change in our areas of focus, we partner with individuals and organizations who share our passion for truth, transparency, and the defense of democratic values. Supported by this broad and expanding coalition, we are nurturing political engagement and a vibrant public discourse that resonates with young people and the unique realities of their home countries. Our mission is to create environments where an educated population, including young people, leads the charge for free and fair democratic elections worldwide and cultivates political systems that are more just, virtuous, and accountable to the citizens they were created to serve.
Kaloyan Valentinov Danchev, born in Bulgaria and now based in Cancún, Mexico, is a highly successful international entrepreneur in the hospitality industry. As the CEO and driving force behind Fidelis Marketing Group, Danchev – known to friends as "Valentino” has led successful teams for luxury vacation membership programs and top flight resort operators, promoting elite tourism experiences across Latin America.
Working with our local partners, the Valentino Danchev Foundation is shaping the next generation of democratic leaders through youth ambassador programs, debates, essay contests, and support for youth-led initiatives that champion democracy and media literacy.
Partnering with experts, the Valentino Danchev Foundation hosts engaging workshops and seminars on media literacy, critical thinking, and the power of civic participation, equipping citizens with the tools to combat misinformation and uphold democratic values.
The Valentino Danchev Foundation commissions research and reports on the impact of disinformation on democracy, providing vital insights for policymakers, educators, and the public while actively engaging in global networks focused on defending democracy.
The Valentino Danchev Foundation is devoted to supporting independent journalism through funding, resources, and awards, empowering journalists to deliver fact-based reporting, expose disinformation, and reinforce the integrity of the media landscape.
The Valentino Danchev Foundation partners with schools and universities to embed democratic values and media literacy as vital pillars of education systems, developing dedicated curriculum materials and funding new research on democracy and information integrity.
