Tackling poverty
Support to address social needs
Intesa Sanpaolo places a central focus on projects that promote the social, cultural and civil development of the communities in which it operates, contributing to the development of more innovative and inclusive societies. Support to groups of people in difficulty, young people, the community and the territory, together with the enhancement of Italy's artistic, cultural and natural heritage, are fundamental elements that are deeply rooted in the Group's history and operating practices.
UN SDG SUPPORTED
Intesa Sanpaolo for Social Impact
As part of the 2022-2025 Business Plan, Intesa Sanpaolo established ‘Intesa Sanpaolo per il Sociale’, a dedicated unit focused on reducing inequalities and promoting social inclusion, in line with its goal of becoming the world’s leading impact bank. The unit ensures the governance of social initiatives, fully integrated into the Group’s sustainability strategy.
Social Action Plan
Intesa Sanpaolo for Social Impact, in line with the Group's objectives, defined the following 4 lines of action, called "Social Routes":
transferring replicable and scalable skills
2022-2025 Business Plan Target and result
€1.5 bn in contributions to social initiatives and projects
€1bn of contribution already deployed to fight poverty and reduce inequalities
as a cost for the Bank
"Cibo e riparo per le persone in difficoltà" programme
The Business Plan launched in 2022 envisaged the expansion of the Food and Shelter Program for the needy aimed at combating poverty and supporting people in difficulty by providing concrete aid, both in Italy and abroad, in collaboration with important social organizations in the area.
50 billion interventions to distribute meals, beds, medicines and clothes
(Expansion of the ‘Cibo e riparo per le persone in difficoltà’)
>68.2 actions carried out
The program’s initiatives
>68.2m actions carried out 2022-2025
Meals
The longstanding collaboration with Fondazione Banco Alimentare continues, supporting the distribution of meals to local charitable entities. Partnerships have also been established with, among others, Caritas Italiana through the program “Aiutare chi Aiuta: un sostegno alle nuove fragilità.”
Dormitories/beds
The Intesa Sanpaolo Philanthropic Foundation supports Third Sector organizations engaged in the protection of civil rights, social assistance, and humanitarian aid. In 2025, it allocated €1.6 million to solidarity initiatives, such as soup kitchens and shelters, benefiting people in need.
Medical prescriptions
The “Cibo e Riparo per le Persone in Difficoltà” program supports vulnerable communities throughout Italy, focusing on children, the elderly, people in recovery, and individuals connected to the prison system. The program represents the most significant anti-poverty initiative ever launched by a private entity in the country
Clothing
connects client companies that donate surplus items, returned goods, and recoverable products with Caritas, which manages transport, storage, and logistics, while actively involving vulnerable individuals in packaging activities and engaging solidarity emporiums and penitentiary institutions to ensure the distribution of products to beneficiaries.
"Sostenere e prevenire: insieme per restituire un futuro"
The project ‘Sostenere e Prevenire: insieme per restituire un futuro’, launched in 2020, is part of Intesa Sanpaolo’s broader collaboration with the San Patrignano Foundation, one of the most recognised actor both nationally and internationally in dealing with the phenomenon of addictions.
It aims at countering the spread of drug use among minors and supporting the community’s recovery and rehabilitation activities. From 2020 to 2025, the collaboration enabled the provision of over 7.5 million meals and over 2.5 million beds to the community’s residents.
The collaboration between the Bank and San Patrignano also supports the ‘WeFree’ prevention programme, which raises awareness among young people aged 11 to 19, as well as parents, educators and teachers.
The Intesa Sanpaolo Charity Fund
The Intesa Sanpaolo Charity Fund, managed by the Group’s Chairman, is a central pillar of the Bank’s community support, and, as outlined in its strategic Guidelines, aims to contribute to the achievement of the social objectives within Intesa Sanpaolo’s 2022-2025 Business Plan, primarily by funding social interventions assisting vulnerable people and those in socio-economic hardship.
Only projects with a clear social impact are considered, and the ability to meet the stated objectives is evaluated through an analysis of the applicant’s track record, ensuring the separation of donation initiatives from commercial interests.
In 2025, the Charity Fund disbursed around 24.3 million euro supporting a total of 872 projects delivered by non-profit organisations, with 99% of resources allocated to assist the most vulnerable sections of society (>70% target amply exceeded).
A year of sustainability
Last updated 20 July 2026
Insights, events and projects for sustainability
