Fondazione Cariplo, based in Milan, is one of Italy’s leading philanthropic foundations, with roots tracing back to the early 19th century. The foundation was formally established in December 1991 following the restructuring of the Italian savings bank sector, specifically after the Amato-Carli law required banks to separate their charitable and commercial activities. Fondazione Cariplo inherited the legacy and assets of Cassa di Risparmio delle Provincie Lombarde, whose origins date to 1823.
As of December 2023, the foundation held an endowment exceeding €8.2 billion, positioning it among the most influential charitable organisations in Europe. Its activities are concentrated in Lombardy and eastern Piedmont, with headquarters housed in the neoclassical Palazzo Melzi d’Eril in Milan—a site also noted for its significant art collection spanning works from antiquity to the 20th century.
Fondazione Cariplo functions primarily as a grant-making body, supporting more than 1,000 projects annually across four main sectors: arts and culture, environment, social welfare, and scientific research. Since its inception, it has allocated approximately €2 billion to various initiatives.
Recent projects demonstrate a focus on social innovation and sustainability. For example, the “InnovaWelfare” program seeks to promote technological solutions to current welfare challenges, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations, with €1.45 million allocated in its latest edition. Other current initiatives involve co-financing European projects in culture and the environment, as well as helping local communities develop renewable energy models.
Fondazione Cariplo’s approach relies on building partnerships with public and private organizations, aiming to address complex social needs without supplanting governmental or market roles.