700 million dedicated to social work: the secret of the foundations inheriting the savings banks in Catalonia
The seven special foundations inheriting the social work of the former Catalan savings banks have allocated a total of 700 million euros to social interest projects between 2014 and 2024. This investment has made it possible to maintain and increase social coverage in Catalonia, promoting an annual average of 94 projects that have reached more than 26 million people.
The managed resources come from the Department of Economy of the Generalitat and show continuous growth with an average annual expenditure of about 63.6 million euros, a figure that clearly shows the commitment to sustainability and expansion of social work.
Distribution of funds and social impact
Which social areas benefit mainly?
The financed projects focus on four major areas, which explain how the social impact of these foundations is oriented and why it is important for citizens to know about it.
- Social assistance and development cooperation: 47.7%
- Promotion of education and culture: 42.1%
- Protection of natural and landscape heritage: 5.4%
- Boosting research and critical thinking: 4.8%
How are the funds distributed among the foundations?
The distribution of the nearly 700 million among the seven foundations is uneven and reflects their capacity and territorial roots, key to understanding the weight each entity has within the Catalan social structure.
| Foundation | Percentage of total expenditure |
|---|---|
| Fundació Catalunya-La Pedrera | 55.6% |
| Fundació Especial Antiga Caixa Terrassa | 32.8% |
| Fundació Pinnae | 5.5% |
| Fundació Iluro | 2.6% |
| Fundació Especial Antiga Caixa Sabadell 1859 | 1.9% |
| Fundació Especial Antigues Caixes Catalanes de Manlleu, Sabadell i Terrassa | 1.0% |
| Fundació Especial Antiga Caixa Manlleu | 0.6% |
Context and evolution of the foundations
Why were these special foundations created?
In July 2013, the transformation of the social work linked to the savings banks into independent foundations was completed, with the aim of preserving and guaranteeing the continuity of these social projects by distancing them from financial activity.
This decision by the Catalan Government, through the modification of the Savings Banks Law, seeks to ensure that the heritage and governance of the social work remain rooted in the territory and under the control of the trustees of these foundations.
What are the current special foundations in Catalonia?
The entities that continue this work in Catalonia are seven and maintain a very active presence in their respective territories, participating in projects with social, cultural, and educational impact.
- Fundació Catalunya La Pedrera
- Fundació Antiga Caixa Terrassa
- Fundació Pinnae
- Fundació Iluro
- Fundació 1859 Caixa Sabadell
- Fundació Antigues Caixes Catalanes
- Fundació Antiga Caixa Manlleu
How to access the projects and what are the most common mistakes?
What is needed to participate in the foundations’ projects?
The projects pay special attention to groups such as people with disabilities, the elderly, or families, as well as cultural and educational activities for all citizens. Participating often requires contacting the responsible foundation directly or the local entities that manage each initiative.
- Belong to the priority groups according to the project.
- Meet the specific requirements of each call or activity.
- Register or sign up when necessary.
What mistakes should be avoided?
- Ignoring application or registration deadlines.
- Not providing the required or complete documentation.
- Not properly informing oneself about the type of aid or activity.
Resources are managed with a rigorous annual calendar, so respecting the dates and providing all necessary information is vital to guarantee access to the projects.
The transformation of the banks into foundations has made it possible to consolidate and grow social work in Catalonia, turning it into an essential engine for vulnerable sectors and culture. The commitment of the seven foundations ensures that funds reach where they are most needed, impacting thousands of people every year.
Remember that the deadline to access the general call for projects is usually annual and it is essential to pay attention to the official communications of each foundation. Missing deadlines may result in being unable to participate and losing the opportunity to access essential resources.
The reality is that these foundations are much more than management entities: they are a key pillar for social and cultural cohesion in Catalonia, and their social work represents a constant injection of valuable resources for the territory.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which foundations manage the social work of the former savings banks in Catalonia?
- There are seven special foundations: Catalunya La Pedrera, Antiga Caixa Terrassa, Pinnae, Iluro, 1859 Caixa Sabadell, Antigues Caixes Catalanes, and Antiga Caixa Manlleu.
- How are the funds allocated to social work distributed?
- 47.7% is allocated to social assistance, 42.1% to education and culture, 5.4% to natural heritage, and 4.8% to research and critical thinking.
- Who can benefit from the projects of these foundations?
- Mainly people with disabilities, the elderly, families, and any citizen interested in cultural or educational activities.
Source of the article: Editorial / Catalan News Agency
