Fondazione Cariplo, Fondazione di Comunità

The changes taking place in societies and organizations of nations in various parts of the world are having a profound effect, not only on the functioning of many sectors, but also on the role and values with which civil society operates and interacts. In light of these trends, the idea and need for community foundations to develop a more strategic and decisive role in local territorial systems and beyond is emerging with increasing strength. Community Foundations are philanthropic institutions that aim to attract and bring people and resources together to carry out socially useful initiatives in favour of the citizens of a given territory. They constitute one of the most effective social infrastructures currently in place to implement processes of change in existing society to improve cohesion, solidarity and widespread prosperity. Community foundations are present in various forms almost all over the world, and in Italy they have been developed by the CARIPLO Foundation.

In order to map the changes taking place and to be able to define possible scenarios and future strategies for the italian Community Foundations, PACO has conducted strategic qualitative research on Community Foundations at an international level.

The territorial areas analyzed in particular were: Germany, UK, Canada and the USA, where the Community Foundations system has developed the most. More than 250 organizations were mapped and 50 were selected and analyzed in the countries of reference.

The research has led to the definition of the main organizational and functional models of the Community Foundations, at the same time defining their strategic lines. In particular: the relationship and involvement of communities, the relationship and activities with the business world, the use of technology in fundraising, relationships with large and small donors, the definition of intervention objectives, the operational and disbursement methods.

Operational tools have been designed and implemented to define, in particular for the path undertaken by the foundation, but applicable in all phases of the organization’s life, the strategic location of the foundation, a definition of objectives, and a definition of the management and operational structure for the pursuit of the set objectives.