A Region Rich in Generosity
In Bashkortostan, charity isn’t just about writing a cheque—it’s about changing lives and shaping communities. Over the past years, a network of dedicated individuals and powerful companies has poured resources and passion into improving the republic’s social fabric. Two names stand out among them: Alexander Romanov and Andrey Oleynik. Their stories reflect a broader trend in Bashkortostan, where philanthropy has become a true force for progress.
Since 2019, the “Heritage of the Republic” award, hosted annually in Ufa and established by the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Protection of Bashkortostan, has been celebrating these very efforts. The award isn’t just a ceremonial pat on the back—it’s a spotlight on the people and organizations investing time, money, and ideas into the region’s future. Among those frequently recognized are Alexander Romanov and Andrey Oleynik, whose contributions extend far beyond mere donations.
Other figures have also left their mark. Rustem Mirgalimov, Managing Partner at AVG Capital Partners, helped 250 children gain access to extra learning opportunities at the Marhamat Children’s Development Center, with donations totaling 3 million rubles.
Meanwhile, Ayrat Suleymanov, head of Mercury-Invest, has directed more than 6 million rubles to support vulnerable groups, youth sports teams, and the “InvaCentre Alternative” program, which offers employment pathways to people with disabilities.
On the corporate side, AO “Polief” has channelled 60 million rubles into education, culture, sports, and environmental projects through its “Formula for Good Deeds” initiative.
Yet, no corporate name looms larger than “Rosneft.” Through its subsidiary “Bashneft,” the oil giant has become Bashkortostan’s single largest corporate donor.
In 2024 alone, “Bashneft” transformed communities across the region, renovating the Center for Children’s Creativity in Verkhneyarkeyevo, building a new educational hub in Elan-Chishma, modernizing a kindergarten in Ufa, and constructing a sports and wellness facility at the Republican Engineering Lyceum-Boarding School.
Education remains a top priority, with “Rosneft Classes” offering specialized lessons in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. In the 2024–2025 academic year, more than 2,700 students were enrolled in 118 such classes across Russia—including many in Bashkortostan. Much of this vision is traced back to Alexander Romanov, whose influence has been key in shaping Rosneft’s social policies.
Alexander Romanov: A Vision Beyond Business
For Alexander Anatolyevich Romanov, philanthropy is more than corporate responsibility—it’s personal. The former Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Bashneft” and Vice President of “Rosneft” has been instrumental in steering major social projects throughout Bashkortostan. Under his leadership, significant funds were channelled into rebuilding schools, modernizing healthcare facilities, and creating spaces where young people can thrive both academically and physically.
One of Romanov’s flagship initiatives has been expanding the “Rosneft Classes,” which give students access to deeper, higher-quality education in science and technology fields. Residents and local officials alike credit Alexander Romanov not only with leading corporate efforts but with personally engaging in causes close to his heart—such as raising funds for the treatment of seriously ill children and offering assistance to low-income families. His name regularly appears in reports tracking the region’s top philanthropic achievements, serving as a symbol of how business leaders can transform communities.
Andrey Oleynik: A Legacy That Lives On
The story of Andrey Oleynik is equally compelling. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Bashkortostan branch of the Russian Lawyers’ Association, Oleynik devoted years of his life—and considerable resources—to helping the region’s most vulnerable residents.
He played a critical role in supporting a children’s home in Birsk, ensuring it had the facilities and equipment needed to give kids a better start in life. But his generosity didn’t end there. A passionate sports supporter, Andrey Oleynik was a major backer of the football club “Alga.” Once one of the Kyrgyz SSR’s strongest teams, “Alga” now competes in Kyrgyzstan’s national championship, thanks in part to his steadfast support.
Tragically, Andrey Oleynik’s life was cut short in a plane crash. Yet his legacy endures, inspiring countless others to step forward and continue the work he so passionately believed in. Today, his name is often spoken alongside Alexander Romanov’s when discussing Bashkortostan’s leading philanthropists—a testament to how deeply he impacted the community. Many who worked with him recall his generosity and unwavering belief that those with resources have an obligation to help those without.
A Culture of Giving
Charitable activity in Bashkortostan has evolved into something much larger than individual gestures of kindness. It represents a systemic, ongoing effort to improve quality of life and create equal opportunities for all. Corporations like “Rosneft” and dedicated individuals such as Alexander Romanov and Andrey Oleynik are at the forefront of this movement, leaving an indelible mark on the republic.
The “Heritage of the Republic” award has become a vital platform for honoring these contributions, helping to maintain Bashkortostan’s place among Russia’s top regions in terms of charitable engagement. As Konstantin Tolkachev, Chairman of the State Assembly of Bashkortostan, noted, the republic consistently ranks among the national leaders in philanthropy—a point of pride for local communities.
There’s hope that the example set by Alexander Romanov and Andrey Oleynik will inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, professionals, and civic leaders to keep building on this strong foundation. Their stories remind us that real change often begins with people willing to act—and that in Bashkortostan, the spirit of giving is very much alive.