The Italian Foundations Fondazione Cariplo, Compagnia di San Paolo, Fondazione con il Sud, Enel Cuore, Fondazione CRT, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Cuneo, Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo and Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena have launched the initiative “NEVER ALONE, for a feasible tomorrow. Reception and support for unaccompanied and separated children and youth reaching Italy alone”. This fund in Italy with a total budget of €3,500,000 is part of the EPIM Sub-Fund on long-term prospects and protection of children on the move in Europe.
After a call for proposals in March which invited civil society organisations to submit project ideas in partnership with public bodies, 30 initiatives were selected for a second phase in the application process. The shortlisted candidates have time until 10 October 2016 to present their final and detailed projects. The final selection process will identify the projects which will be supported with grants.
Aims and areas of intervention
The aim of the fund in Italy is to strengthen and innovate how to take charge of unaccompanied and separated children for integration and autonomy and to ensure full respect of minors’ rights and attention to individualised needs.
Help and support will be provided to projects based on collaboration between third sector organisations and public bodies, especially local ones, at the front line in taking charge of unaccompanied and separated children in various areas: reception, education, training, work, help with housing autonomy, psychological support, legal aid.
The organisations promoting this intend to support a limited number of projects over several years that are aimed at strengthening multidimensional ways to take charge of unaccompanied minors and that can guarantee long-term effective and inclusive support.
Projects must invest in one or more of the following areas in order to be eligible for funding:
- Defining ways to help achieve autonomy as adults;
- Boosting and spreading guardianship systems;
- Fostering and encouraging voluntary tutors;
- Reception and support for girls.