Stronger together: How community foundations in Italy are collaborating to tackle educational disadvantages among young people and their families
This blog shows how community foundations in Italy collaborate across regions to tackle educational disadvantage among children and families. Through joint projects, partnerships, and innovative approaches such as personal empowerment funds, they combine local knowledge with national coordination to create long-term educational and social impact.
The unstoppable Italian Community Foundations Movement
This article celebrates the expansion of the Italian community foundation movement, highlighting four newly established organisations in Milan, Agrigento & Trapani, Valsesia, and Parma. Supported by Assifero, these foundations exemplify the diversity and vitality of community philanthropy in Italy—from youth-led social enterprises in Sicily to Alpine collaborations in Piedmont. Each emerged from deep local engagement, blending civic initiative, donor partnerships, and institutional support from foundations like Cariplo. Together, they demonstrate how Italian community foundations are fostering inclusion, participation, and sustainable local development across the country.
ECFI Guide: Community Foundations in Romania
The Guide to Community Foundations in Romania traces the rapid development of a strong community philanthropy movement since 2008. Initiated by the Association for Community Relations (ARC), it highlights how local leaders, donors, and citizens have built 16 foundations serving nearly half of Romania’s population. The publication showcases stories of civic renewal, diaspora engagement, education funds, and youth-led initiatives—revealing how trust, local pride, and cooperation are revitalising communities and strengthening Romania’s social fabric.
