Fondazione Social Venture GDA

Fondazione Social Venture Giordano Dell'Amore (FSVGDA) is an Italian foundation dedicated to impact investing, serving as the strategic and operational arm of Fondazione Cariplo in this field. The firm's core mission is to accelerate social innovation in a sustainable and inclusive manner by supporting innovative social entrepreneurship across Italy and Europe. FSVGDA engages in a range of activities including institutional development, capacity building, direct investment, and financial advisory. Its investment focus is on initiatives that address pressing social, environmental, and cultural challenges, aligning with Fondazione Cariplo's philanthropic areas such as Services to Individuals, Art and Culture, Environment, and Scientific Research.

FSVGDA was established in 2017 by Fondazione Cariplo, building upon the rich legacy and experience of two predecessor philanthropic institutions: Fondazione Opere Sociali (FOS) and Fondazione Giordano Dell'Amore (FGDA). The original Fondazione Giordano Dell'Amore, initially founded in 1977 as Finafrica, had a historical focus on microfinance before its evolution into the current impact investing foundation.

The Foundation actively manages a portfolio of 61 investments, with a total of €12 million invested. Through its significant GDA Invest program, promoted in collaboration with Fondazione Cariplo, FSVGDA aims to deploy over €60 million to foster the development of Italian social entrepreneurship. Notable entities within its portfolio and initiatives include SkyDeck Europe, Vivavoce, WAY, Fondazione Casa Amica, Sefea Impact – Fondo Cooperazione e Terzo Settore, and Phitrust Partenaries Inclusion SAS. Additionally, FSVGDA has made an equity investment of €250,000 in C.NEXT, a benefit company focused on establishing innovation hubs. The firm has also supported four active impact investing funds: a|impact - Avanzi Etica, OPES Italia, Oltre Venture, and SEFEA Impact.

The team at Fondazione Social Venture Giordano Dell'Amore comprises professionals with robust sectoral expertise and a strong commitment to social impact. Key members include Cristian Chizzoli (President), Marco Gerevini (Managing Director), Gian Paolo Barbetta (Scientific Coordinator), Paolo Canino (Operations Director), Stefano Cima (Business Development), Beatrice Gallo (Manager), Lorenzo Vaiani (Evaluation Officer), and Edoardo Nicolini (Principal). Marco Gerevini, for instance, brings a background in M&A and Corporate Finance from various European banks. The team's collective skills encompass financial structuring, impact measurement, and strategic planning, enabling them to support philanthropic organizations and social enterprises effectively.