FAQ

1. What is UniCredit Foundation’s operating model?

UniCredit Foundation follows a precise philosophy in the field of corporate philanthropy and non profit, which includes active participation in conceiving, designing, and evaluating projects based on a proactive approach. The project office makes a careful preliminary analysis of the situation where they intend to intervene, which includes a historical-social investigation of the reference area and a reconnaissance of the emerging needs.

The scouting stage is fundamental, i.e. the search for ideal partners among local associations to co-plan the intervention, who follow the cognitive mission on the field. The results from these analysis are then discussed with locally operating associations and NGO’s, with the delegations of the agencies and international institutions, and with representatives of national or local Universities and authorities.

Once the project is launched, UniCredit Foundation takes part in managing and carries out “participatory” monitoring; the ongoing dialogue and construction of solid partnership relations with local non profit entities strengthens the reciprocal competences and are, in the long term, a guarantee of effectiveness of the intervention.

2. Where does UniCredit Foundation operate and what are its areas of intervention?

UniCredit Foundation activities take place in the 22 countries where the Group is present (Central and Eastern Europe, Austria, Germany, and Italy) and in two Sub-Saharan African countries (Benin and Burkina Faso).

The fields of intervention are development cooperation in Africa (especially through actions aimed at strengthening access to basic healthcare), social business in Italy, the theme of international migration and promoting the volunteer culture, civil commitment and donation in Central and Eastern Europe where UniCredit is present.

3. Is it possible to ask for funding? Do you have tenders in progress?

Consistent with the methodology explained in the first question, UniCredit Foundation does not make tenders, procedures, or specific formulas for presenting projects. Nonetheless, we of course evaluate each initiative brought to our attention.

4. Who decides the destination of funds and which projects to fund?

After the scouting and planning phase explained in the first question, the Project Office prepares a project document to submit to UniCredit Foundation’s Board of Directors, who has the right to approve the allocation of funds.

5. How do you select the partner bodies?

During the scouting stage, as explained in the first question, the Project Office of UniCredit Foundation identifies the bodies with which to build a partnership based on the following criteria:

a . proven reliability and experience in the sector;

b . solid financial position;

c . transparent governance and publication of the annual report of financial statement;

d . effectiveness in past interventions by the body in terms of meeting the needs of the territory, documented and accountable;

e. capacity to analyze and produce sector studies, research and data analysis;

f. prior experiences with important donors.

6. Do you also support cultural, study and research activities?

Supporting initiatives of a purely cultural nature does not fall within UniCredit Foundation’s guidelines unless they are strictly connected to projects underway.

7. What bodies do not fall within Unicredit Foundation’s beneficiaries?

Profit-making bodies are excluded, as well as:

·        Political parties or movements and their organizational spin-offs;

·        Trade union and workers’ benevolent organizations;

·        Discriminatory organizations or those that limit membership based on race, religion, age, sex, place of birth;

·        Religious institutions;

·        Animal rights organizations;

·        Professional and amateur sports associations, unless the activity is explicitly aimed at benefitting disadvantaged subjects;

·        Recreational clubs;

·        Cultural associations and organizations:

·        Banking foundations, private finance foundations, as these same organizations provide funding, contributions, and grants;

·        Natural persons.

8. Can I be a volunteer at UniCredit Foundation or in one of its projects?

No, there are no volunteer activities at UniCredit Foundation office or at the places where projects are developed. However, we do have Employee Community Involvement activities for UniCredit employees which provide them the opportunity to participate in specific activities within UniCredit Foundation projects. See the ECI section.

9. Where can I send my CV?

No positions are currently open. However, you are welcome to send your CV to info@unicreditfoundation.org .