Co-financing of European projects
Between 2010 and 2025, the Foundation supported several partnerships of entities interested in applying to the main European programmes in the environmental field (LIFE, Interreg, Alpine Space, Erasmus, etc.): as many as 22 projects were awarded a grant by the European Commission, of a total of approximately €65 million, in areas ranging from the protection of biodiversity, both land- and water-based, adaptation to climate change, as well as awareness-raising activities for citizens and stakeholders.
In addition to the financial support (about €5 million of total grants approved), the Foundation provided support for participation, organising a pathway on European planning with experts to illustrate the various initiatives and funding opportunities at European level.
Since 2025, a cross-sectoral approach has been adopted for this tool and also extends to the Arts & Culture Area; participation is therefore also opened up to non-profit organisations interested in applying for the main European programmes in the cultural field, to encourage experimentation in intersectoral collaborations that are better suited to respond to the complexities of contemporary challenges.
The tool offers a gentle support service for entities developing a project consistent with European calls for tender, and also provides co-financing to cover part of the budget to be submitted for their chosen European call (only if and to the extent that the European grant does not fully cover the project costs). In the event that the project does not obtain European funding, any grant approved by the Foundation will be revoked.
The European programmes where this approach can be used include:
• the Creative Europe Programme (CREA), which aims to enhance both co-operation between Member States (creation of partnerships for the development of ideas, festivals, performances) and the circulation of artists and content, as well as co-productions of the latter
• the Erasmus+ Programme, strongly focused on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions and encouraging young people to participate in democratic life
• the DEAR Programme, which supports social, economic and environmental development projects by promoting the understanding of complex aspects related to sustainable development.
The “Guide to European Planning” (also as a podcast) has additionally been made available for orientation in the system of directly and indirectly managed EU funds and participation in European calls and programmes. The Guide is the result of the collaboration between Fondazione CRT, Fondazione Cariplo, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo, in partnership with other banking foundations (Fondazione di Trento e Rovereto, Fondazione Perugia, Fondazione Cariverona, Fondazione Firenze, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Bolzano-Sparkasse, Fondazione Sardegna) and ACRI.
- “LIFE GESTIRE – Elaborazione della strategia di gestione dei siti Natura 2000 nella Regione Lombardia” (2011)
- “LAMBROVIVO – Interventi per il miglioramento delle acque e degli habitat nella Valle del Lambro” (2011)
- “LIFE NET PRO NET – Una rete di volontari per contribuire alla gestione attiva della Rete Natura 2000“ (2015)
