The Cariplo Foundation, a significant philanthropic institution based in Lombardy, Italy, has confirmed its financial contributions amounting to €215 million for the year 2026. This commitment not only mirrors the funding levels of 2025 but represents a substantial increase of 40% compared to 2024. Giovanni Azzone, the foundation's president, suggests that there may be even greater efforts in the upcoming years due to a remarkable growth in the foundation's assets, which reached €13.08 billion in 2025—an increase of 66% from the €7.9 billion recorded in 2022.

A significant source of this financial boost stems from the foundation's substantial stake in Intesa Sanpaolo, one of Italy's largest banking institutions. With a 5.5% share, Cariplo is the second largest shareholder in the bank, which is pivotal to its ability to provide substantial funding. The value of this stake is over €5.7 billion, showcasing the foundation's strategic investment decisions. Intesa Sanpaolo is expected to distribute a total of €50 billion to its shareholders over the next five years, translating into more than €500 million annually in dividends for Cariplo, further bolstering its philanthropic initiatives.

The Cariplo Foundation's targeted funding towards supporting marginalized groups such as the disabled, youth, and prisoners is crucial as these sectors often face significant challenges in society. The increase in funding not only reinforces the foundation's commitment to social responsibility but also highlights the potential for charitable organizations to create impactful change through sustained financial support. This focus on critical social issues reflects a broader trend in philanthropy where organizations are increasingly prioritizing those in vulnerable situations, leveraging their financial resources for the greater good of society.