The Cordelia Foundation provides vital psychological and psychiatric support to foreign individuals — both adults and children — living in or arriving in Hungary who have endured torture or severe trauma. It prioritises those seeking asylum, people under international protection, individuals with refugee backgrounds and their families, as well as any foreign nationals facing economic hardship.
People fleeing war zones, oppression and persecution often carry the invisible scars of unimaginable experiences. Many have:
Survived torture, imprisonment, or acts of violence
Witnessed the death or disappearance of loved ones
Endured political persecution and armed conflict
These experiences frequently lead to serious mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and severe difficulties integrating into society.
In Hungary, refugees, migrants and those seeking asylum often lack access to culturally sensitive, language-accessible mental health care. Without support, many face isolation, declining health, and the inability to enter or remain in the labour market.
The Cordelia Foundation provides a comprehensive and trauma-informed response, which includes:
Psychological and psychiatric care, with interpretation in multiple languages
Medical expert opinions to support asylum procedures
Social assistance, helping clients navigate integration and administrative processes
Training and supervision for professionals working with refugee populations
Research and methodology development to improve refugee care standards across the sector
Its work not only alleviates the effects of trauma but also plays a key role in fostering integration and social inclusion.
After several key donors unexpectedly withdrew their support, the Cordelia Foundation found itself in a challenging financial position at the start of 2025. To safeguard uninterrupted care for its vulnerable clients, the organisation used the Foundation’s grant to stabilise and diversify its income. The funds enabled Cordelia to hire an additional grant writer, engage an external expert in corporate partnership development, and cover the enrolment fee for the Civil Impact Academy; an initiative that builds bridges between civil-society organisations and the for-profit sector.
During 2025–2026, Cordelia made important progress by securing several new grants and laying the foundations for corporate partnerships. Therapeutic services continued throughout this period as Cordelia successfully bid for a grant from the Metropolitan Solidarity Fund in two consecutive rounds. However, due to a gap in funding cycles, the continuity of care was at risk. An additional grant from the Foundation will help to bridge this two-month gap, ensuring that clients receive therapeutic support while the organisation continues to work on strengthening its long-term financial sustainability
Achieving financial sustainability is crucial for Cordelia to continue offering mental health care to those who need it most. With stable, diversified funding, the Cordelia Foundation can maintain and grow its impact — helping survivors of trauma rebuild their lives and find a place in society.
