Innovative solutions for integrating vulnerable people: CDP Foundation awards seven projects

Developing innovative solutions for the employment of the most vulnerable segments of the population and supporting their active participation in community life is the goal of the seven winning projects of the first edition of the Social Innovation Award, launched by the CDP Foundation (the nonprofit organization founded by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti) in collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo, through the Impact Department and Intesa Sanpaolo per il Sociale, the group's unit dedicated to combating inequality and poverty and promoting inclusion. The award, open to non-profit organizations, cooperatives, and social enterprises, provides a total prize of over half a million euros and is divided into three categories based on the project's level of development: pilot phase, medium-scale, and large-scale. Two prizes were awarded for each category, worth 90,000 and 45,000 euros, respectively. In addition to these awards, there is a special prize worth a total of €90,000, supported by both promoters (Cdp Foundation and Intesa Sanpaolo per il Sociale), awarded to the most innovative and effective initiative using technology and artificial intelligence to support social and professional inclusion. The winners of the first edition for category 1 are: first place: Case in Rete! by Etnos Social Cooperative Society ; second place: ISA – Innovazione Sociale Amica by Consorzio SOL.CO Città aperta Social Cooperative Society . For category 2: first place: Capacity by Fondazione MeSSInA – Philanthropic Organization ; second place: Panatè – Glievitati by Glievitati Scs ; category 3: first place: Quid 2030 – Social and Sustainable Made in Italy by Cooperativa Sociale Quid ; second place: Made in carcere: new philosophy and lifestyle by Officina Creativa Social Cooperative Society . For the Special Prize category: Closer by Save the Children Italy .

"With the first edition of the Social Innovation Award, we recognize the commitment of those who are able to promote new ideas and transform them into action, helping to strengthen community cohesion and reduce existing gaps," said Giovanni Gorno Tempini, President of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and the CDP Foundation. "Promoting these initiatives means recognizing how innovation can also be the key to addressing and overcoming the social challenges of our time with pragmatism and special attention to the most vulnerable. The CDP Foundation, thanks also to its collaboration with Intesa Sanpaolo per il Sociale, once again confirms its support for the Third Sector in Italy, enhancing the country's social capital." "Social innovation finds in technology a strategic ally in fostering inclusion and reducing inequalities," added Andrea Forghieri, Executive Director of Intesa Sanpaolo per il Sociale. "With the Award promoted together with the CDP Foundation, we support Third Sector organizations that are able to transform digital solutions and artificial intelligence tools into positive and lasting impacts for communities and the most vulnerable."