Fondazione CR Firenze

We are a banking foundation that operates as an independent non-profit organisation. We work for the social and economic growth of our local communities in Florence, Grosseto and Arezzo in the italian region of Tuscany. Our actions and activities aim to improve quality of life and to foster sustainable development. Our work enhances local identities. In 1892 a group of one hundred citizens, concerned about the future prosperity of Florence, created a fund called the ‘Società della Cassa di Risparmio’. It focused on public need, by encouraging the less wealthy to save what small amounts they could. The fund helped the city’s poorest inhabitants and supported benevolent projects. Our aims, at the Fondazione CR Firenze have not essentially changed over the years but they have evolved. In 1992 we were formally established as a banking foundation, officially and legally recognised for our philanthropic work. The Foundation’s remit has grown and we now support a vast range of projects and institutions that share our aims and values. Each year the Foundation donates around €55 million, supporting around 900 projects. Every project we fund shares the same motive: to promote the common good.

Our Foundation is proud to support the theatre, music and the arts in general. We house our own permanent collection of some of Florence’s and Tuscany’s finest artists. Our collection spans 600 years of history, and many artistic schools. We are committed to helping disadvantaged and marginalised groups, and we work closely with associations supporting their essential work in providing social housing and food banks. Much of the Foundation’s funding is dedicated to enhancing the welfare and education of children. It funds bursaries for university students and ongoing mentoring and support programmes throughout their studies. We fund projects to enhance children’s learning and development, focussing attention on low-income families to ensure that no child is left behind. We support the shared concern for the environment, and collaborate with research into forest management and agricultural practises, so we can protect our green spaces and work for a sustainable future. The Foundation helps finance the cultural life of the city.

It supports music and opera at the world- famous Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, while at the Teatro della Pergola it sponsors theatre and live performances. Palazzo Strozzi, famous for its collection of contemporary art, is funded by the Foundation. Many of the world’s most treasured works of art have been restored by Florence’s renowned Opificio delle Pietre Dure. Experts specialize in the restoration of art, books, photographs and ceramics. Its funding by the Foundation ensures the works of art will survive for future generations. The Foundation has supported many of Florence’s most famous landmarks. The iconic Poggi Ramps were fully restored, so their water fountains flowed once again. Villa Bardini and its historic gardens were fully renovated, transformed to their former beauty. The former barracks, once used by the Medici to store grain, is now a modern digital hub for startup companies. It is a centre for innovation and business, creating opportunities for young people. The Foundation funds research and development across many disciplines at the University of Florence, whose discoveries and ideas are changing our future and our well-being. Furthermore the Foundation funds other prestigious institutions in key sectors like fashion, such as Polimoda. Socio-political studies at the European University Institute, supported by the Foundation, improves understanding of events around the world and helps to shape thinking and policy formulation globally. Across Tuscany, towns have been loaned important works of art thanks to the Foundation’s collaboration with the world-famous Uffizi Galleries.

For almost 200 years we have worked with a common purpose to help co-operation, solidarity and sustainability. In a city where the past and the present live side by side, we look to a more optimistic future, creating opportunities and prosperity for those who need it most.