The demand for both private and public services in cultural, social, health, and recreational regions is growing tremendously. This need is why many people, as well as public authorities, began to look at non-profit organizations to more efficiently answer the current problems. At the same time, these are the reasons why the Italian nonprofit sector will play a more relevant role in the future. Because Italy is beginning to rely on one another more, philanthropy can be introduced through the magazine and how each member of Italy can make a difference in the country. With the high demand and reliance on the non-profit organizations, Philanthropy International can illustrate how one’s contribution has an effect on the society.
Until recently, few Italian citizens could provide a clear definition of ‘non-profit organization’. Although many knew about the ‘voluntary movement’ and the large number of persons volunteering their time for deserving causes, most were not aware of private organizations. This, of course, didn’t mean that nonprofit organizations did not exist in Italy, but rather that they were mixed up with other organizations and that they were not recognized as part of a specific sector of the economy. The expanding public sector, along with the lack of a clear distinction between public and private organizations, explains this confusion. Philanthropy International could clarify these confusions and instill confidence into this ‘low-trust’ society. The distinctions would be explained and the Italian culture could better understand the purpose of ‘giving’ through the magazine.
One may ask, when did this confusion begin? The unclear distinction between private, nonprofit and public organizations originates from the Italian history and legislation. In more recent times, most people understand that the non-profit sector is divided into categories including associations, foundations and social cooperatives. These organizations, taking no monetary funds from their contributions, redistribute wealth or produce goods and services that benefit the population at large. The most significant feature of traditional Italian funding is the non-profit sector. On the contrary, two other characteristics must be stressed. First of all, donations, the distinctive element of the nonprofit sector, only account for a small amount of the revenues of Italian nonprofit organizations (around 5 % of the whole). This depends on whether legislation encourages gifts to nonprofit entities and giving to churches. Because of this small percentage, a magazine based on philanthropy would need to persuade the Italian culture of the benefits from giving in order to increase this proportion. The magazine may take time to circulate and persuade Italians to donate, but with the small percentage presently given to nonprofit organizations, there’s only hope it will increase. The introduction of a magazine such as Philanthropy International will allow individuals to better understand the purpose of donating and hopefully boost the amount of donations in Italy.
Even with the number of philanthropic organizations, many are segregated into one specific area of Italy. Of active institutions, totaling 221,412, half are localized in northern Italy. In the nonprofit organization, with 620,00 paid employees, volunteers out number them five to one. This clearly demonstrates the high quantity of people willing to donate their time to the nonprofit organizations. Not getting paid is not an issue. In addition, of the active institutions, 63.1% work in the fields of culture, sport, and recreation. Hence, there is a wide array of areas utilized by each institution. As stated earlier, the introduction of this magazine could act as a ‘bridge’ between the North and South regions. The cluster of active and nonprofit organizations could work together to expand the number philanthropic organizations in both regions of Italy. Knowing that the people are very willing to volunteer their time, the culture is one of ‘giving.’ Philanthropy International will help emphasize this culture of donation to those who already volunteer, those interested, and those who never thought about it.
In-depth Analysis
Many local and international companies give money to community organizations in Italy. With 80% of Italians coming from Catholic upbringings, the church has a large impact on the attitudes of the culture in Italy. Members of the Catholic Church do not advertise wealth or power. Charity is viewed as self-fulfillment within the culture, so people who donate tend to remain anonymous. However, in-group settings (i.e. Catholic affiliations) this attitude is paradoxal to most Italian beliefs. Although Italians are individualistic, they tend to follow one another in decision-making relative to giving. This is partly due to the idea that Italians must establish trust in one another.
The largest organization that gives money is the CARITAS and the Catholic church. Because Italy is “predominantly Roman Catholic with mature Protestant and Jewish communities,” CARITAS has a heavy influence on the society and their donating habits. () The mission statement for CARITAS is:
- “The reduction of inequalities between countries and within countries, fighting against poverty and social discrimination and promoting the integration of all;
- The peaceful solution of conflicts, seeking reconciliation, for instance, in the face of nationalistic tendencies;
- Fighting unemployment;
- Guaranteeing the rights of minorities;
- Preserving Europe as a place of refuge and protection for those who are persecuted and as a place where non-nationals are treated with respect;
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Eliminating the causes of forced migration.” ()
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Because CARITAS provides philanthropic opportunities for a large array of purposes, this organization is most popular for charitable causes. Although CARITAS is the main contribution organization, many others assist in philanthropy. Italian taxpayers have an opportunity send their tax-deductible contribution to non-profit organizations for charity. Some of these include ONLUS, Associazione per I Bambini dei Lebbrosi di Clacutta, City of Joy Aid (), Pontifical Council "Cor Unum," and the Administration of Brescia ().
Individuals and foundations also give money to community organizations both in and outside of Italy. ***MAYBE ONLY CARITAS, EVETNS LIKE TENNIS GUY, AND TELEFOOD FOR PHILANTHROPY***A best-selling collection of jokes about Italian soccer star Francesco Totti is helping children's charities in Africa. Since 1994, Italian surgeon Gino Strada has been on the front lines in Afghanistan, with a medical support crew, bringing critical health care to thousands of victims of the country's ongoing warfare. Waldy Malouf and Tom Valenti, chef-owners of two Manhattan restaurants, led fund-raising efforts to help survivors of restaurant workers killed at the World Trade Center and have also donated towards the global countires. Patty Stonesifer, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a supportive member of charity in Italy. Linda Rottenberg, the cofounder of Endeavor, a nonprofit organizaiton, promotes entrepreneurship in Latin America and Europe. David Saltzman, the cofounder and executive director of the Robin Hood Foundation in New York City, assists many outside countries such as Italy and Russia. Arthur W. Schmidt, Jr., creator of GuideStar.org, provides the largest nonprofit database for philanthropy. Altogether, these individuals are all working together to help promote philanthropy around the world.
Of the individuals who participate in philanthropic events, volunteers vary from each other. *Exhibit One illustrates the working status of volunteers. Voluntary organizations operate with volunteers of all age groups, although involvement of volunteers is concentrated in the middle-age (45.1% of the volunteers are between 30 and 54 years old). The breakdown of volunteer ages in Italy include:
- Ages 65 and over, (8.9%)
- 55 – 64 (18.3%)
- 30- 40 (24.6%)
- 40 – 54 (20.5%)
- 20 – 29 (21.3%)
- Under 20 (6.4%)
Knowing the percentages of volunteers, the working status is also of importance. With respect of the working status, almost half the volunteers in Italy are employed (48.2%), 18.3% are pensioners, 12.5% students and 10.8% in housewife position. (See Exhibit Two) Altogether, these volunteers give their time, money, or service to assist others in philanthropic events in Italy.
In addition to the voluntary organizations and individuals, many foundations participate in philanthropic events. The Lecco Community Foundation is an Italian community foundation that defines its action as an instrument to optimise the social benefits of local donations. Its main aims are to build a strong endowment, to provide donors with opportunities to give back to their community, to foster the development of the non-profit sector through grants and to provide local organizations with technical assistance.
The Pavia Community Foundation, based outside of Milan, has goals that include embracing social welfare and health care, training, promotion and development of cultural activities, historical and artistic heritage, nature and environment and the improvement of the living standards in Pavia.
The Mantova Community Foundation is an independent not-for-profit organization that seeks to serve the present and future generations of the region. The goals of this organization are meant to be achieved by eliminating obstacles of a cultural, fiscal, legal and administrative nature, which are currently preventing the spread of generosity, as well as a social responsibility conscience among private donors and groups.
The Como Community Foundation promotes the development of the culture of giving and social investment throughout the Como region. It provides organizations with time, competences and services and, makes grants to social solidarity related projects which promote the artistic and historical patrimony. ()
The community organizations that receive gifts from individuals and organizations include: health, social welfare, recreation, activities, civic, protections, education, environment, advocacy, sport, and culture. (See Exhibit Three) ()
Although many types of organizations accept charity, events on the philanthropy calendar also add events that raise money for donations. One example includes a telethon financing research for muscular dystrophy. () Most other events are based around the Catholic Church or supported by the CARITAS.
Not much competition exists for a magazine about philanthropy in Italy. The Philanthropy Roundtable is the most prevalent competitor. This magazine gives organizations charity in and around the United States. Although it is not currently based in Italy, it is expanding and has works with over 600 philanthropic organizations.
According to Hofstede’s five cultural dimensions, Italy follows these categories:
- Individualism- Italy has a high degree of individualism which results in a strong identification with family. Because of this, Italians tend to give to those within their family sector.
- Masculine oriented- Italy is masculine oriented and as a result, male figures tend to represent the decision-making figure.
- Power distance- Italy’s power distance is 50%, therefore wealth exudes higher social status emphasizing the hierarchical attitude of Italians.
- Uncertainty Avoidance- Italians do not trust others outside their inner circle. People tend to only give money to those they know or organization with which they have an affiliation.
- Long-term orientation- Italians are very set in their ways. Tradition and values are top priority for Italians and many are not accepting to change.
In regards to Italian beliefs, both terminal and instrumental values are imperative to understanding the culture. Some include:
Terminal Instrumental
- Comfortable life Ambitious
- World at peace Cheerful
- World of beauty Clean
- Family security Forgiving
- Freedom Helpful
- Happiness Honesty
- Mature love Independent
- Nation of security Intellectual
- Salvation Love
With information about Italy’s culture, charities entering this market will need plenty of time and patience to see results. Although Italy is a giving society, the people donate to different organizations for different reasons. Because this method of donating is new to Italians, many will be reluctant to its change. With such a heavy influence on the church and because of the uncertainty avoidance, entering this market may be difficult. Although this is quite different compared to the American ways, Italy participates in numerous charitable acts. Italy is country of beauty, a country of grace—success in this market will succeed at a slow pace.
Works Cited
Barbetta, G.P. (1997) The Nonprofit Sector in Italy. Manchester: Manchester UP.
Bernardino, C. (2001). The Development of Community Foundations and related models.
Cariplo Foundation in Community Philanthropy in Europe: A growing phenomenon. Barcelona.
Brunetti, M. & Moreschi, B. (2000). Toward an Estimation of the Employment of the
Employment Produced by Italian Bovluntary Organization .
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