The history of the Charitable Foundation "Way of Life" originates from the initiative of the Russian philanthropist Vladimir Albertovich Smirnov and his family. They desired to create a charitable foundation that systematically helps individuals in need: orphans, lonely old people, people with disabilities, and, above all, institutions, in which these people live. In September 2010, a foundation named "Vladimir Smirnov Fund" was created. It was headed by the Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences - Elena Borisovna Beregovaya.

As of now the foundation is actively growing and expanding in new directions. In 2015, it was renamed to "Charitable Foundation "Way of Life" for the Promotion of Social and Cultural Initiatives and Trusteeship" (надо по документам правильно посмотреть). Both the founder and director of the fund are members of the Council under the Government of the Russian Federation on issues of guardianship in the social sphere, regional councils, the Council under the Presidential Ombudsman for the rights of the child.

Currently, the team of the foundation includes well-known scientists - teachers, psychologists, honorary workers of general education of the Russian Federation, federal experts from the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Culture. At the same time, the team also includes young and talented specialists. This creates an agile environment for the fund to be able to be involved in solving the most acute and significant social problems of our time. It also allows us to cooperate, inspire and support those who strive for a harmonious, fair and systemic social sphere.