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 projects1
>€0.7 bn contribution
as a cost for the Bank
Against poverty: food and shelter program for the needy
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 million interventions to support people in difficulty
(expansion food and shelter program for the needy)
>54.1 m interventions realized
Program actions
54.1 m actions in 2022-2024
The multi-year collaboration with the Fondazione Banco Alimentare for the distribution of meals to local charities continues. Partnership also with Caritas Italiana among others with the program “Aiutare chi Aiutare: un supporto alle nuove fragilità”,
In the context of projects dedicated to hospitality, some initiatives coincide with those indicated for the objective of meals. Institutions such as Dynamo Camp, Fondazione San Patrignano, City Angels, Associazione Vidas no profit offer people in difficulty both food and a place to live, even temporarily.
for example with the Pharma Links project for solidarity networks against health poverty, and the initiative confirmed with Caritas Italiana Help who Helps.
in partnership with Caritas Italiana and some of the Bank's client companies producing basic necessities, it offered clothing and other primary goods to guarantee a dignified life for people in difficulty, through the recovery and distribution of production surpluses.
Aiutare chi aiuta: un sostegno alle nuove fragilità
Intesa Sanpaolo promotes social inclusion and territorial cohesion, trying to contribute to rebalancing inequalities with activities based on a structural system of relationships to co-design interventions in favor of those who are in a disadvantaged position and struggle to reach that minimum threshold of well-being and dignity that should be due to everyone.
It is a broad and complex Programme, developed in 2020 in collaboration with Caritas Italiana, during the pandemic, to support individual dioceses in addressing the increase in social needs. Since 2020, Helping the helpers has evolved from an emergency response into a structured programmatic action. Over the years, the programme, implemented in four editions, enabled 115 interventions across 84 Diocesan Caritas organizations throughout the country.
Aiutare chi aiuta: 2023 - 2024 edition
The 2023-2024 edition was dedicated to supporting young people and adults within the prison system and their families, operating through various intervention areas.
Here are some key aspects of the "Aiutare chi Aiuta: un sostegno alle nuove fragilità" program 2023-2024 edition:
- promoting values, by activating pathways to acquire and rediscover respect for rules, respect for others, and legality
- distributing essential goods and other items both within penitentiary institutions and at facilities that host detainees in alternative measures (e.g., clothing, hygiene products, etc.)
- external reception support for individuals in alternative measures, on leave, or under house arrest, providing guidance and assistance
- education and training, both inside and outside prison, through literacy courses and vocational training to obtain qualifications and skills applicable in the labour market
- support for education, particularly for young people wishing to continue their studies or who have dropped out prematurely
- employment opportunities, through job placement programs inside or outside the detention facility, during and after the detention period
- community engagement, with awareness initiatives in civil and ecclesial communities to overcome prejudices and encourage inclusion and acceptance.
The Intesa Sanpaolo Charity Fund
Managed by the Group’s Chairman, is a central pillar of the company’s 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 supporting 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 2024 the Charity Fund has also guaranteed temporary hospitality, support for people in a fragile housing situation, territorial HUBs for material aid (social markets and solidarity shops), initiatives to support families in accessing basic goods and services and to pay rent and bills in Italy.
In 2024, the Charity Fund disbursed around 23 million euro supporting a total of 814 projects delivered by non-profit organisation, with 99% of resources allocated to measures to assist more vulnerable sections of society (>70% target amply exceeded)
Social housing
With the 2022-2025 Business Plan, Intesa Sanpaolo announced one of the most extensive social housing programs in Italy through the promotion of homes and beds for young people (families, workers, students) and seniors (e.g. elderly people living alone with limited income) throughout the country.
Partnerships were launched with Coima and Redo for MilanoSesto, the largest urban redevelopment project in Italy; financial and consultancy support was provided to the Coima, Covivio and Prada consortium for the Olympic Village project.
1 As a cost for the Bank (including structural costs of ~€0.5bn relating to ~1,000 people dedicated to supporting initiatives/projects), already taken into consideration in the 2024-2025 guidance.
A year of sustainability
Last updated 22 July 2025
Insights, events and projects for sustainability
