Who We Are

Established in 2011 by the Diocese of Ugento – Santa Maria di Leuca, the Mons. Vito De Grisantis Foundation supports unemployed youth, individuals who have lost their jobs, and aspiring entrepreneurs offering non-financial services and guarantees – backed by its own fund – through concrete tools for support, guidance, and mentoring.

Our Mission

We promote a solidarity-based and inclusive economy, focusing on Southern Salento – Capo di Leuca (Italy), with a special commitment to supporting financially excluded individuals and those in vulnerable situations promoting an economy that respects human dignity.

Our Key Areas of Action

1. Microcredit and Business Support

• Non-financial services for business start-ups: guidance, training, and mentoring
• Loan guarantees through our own internal fund
• Accredited as a tutor organization by the National Microcredit Agency (ENM)

2. Usury Prevention – Active across the entire Province of Lecce.

• Recognized as an Anti-Usury Foundation since 2019
• Manages MEF (Ministry of Economy and Finance) funds to guarantee loans for over-indebted families and small entrepreneurs
• Member of the National Anti-Usury Council

3. Social Microcredit

• Provides support to families facing financial hardship through:

1. The Family Fund (internal funds of the Foundation)
2. Resources from the Ricrediti Association
3. The “Mi Fido di Noi” project, in collaboration with Caritas Italiana

• Carries out financial education initiatives for families, promoting responsible money management.

Partners and Networks

• Partner Banks:

1. Banca Popolare Pugliese (BPP)
2. Banca di Credito Cooperativo Terra d’Otranto (BCC Terra d’Otranto)
3. Banca Mediolanum
4. Banca Intesa Sanpaolo

• Member of RITMI – Italian Microfinance Network

Supporting the Non-Profit Sector

The Foundation has promoted the establishment of three non-profit organizations, actively contributing to the growth of a social and solidarity-based network in the region:

1. Fondazione di Comunità Parco Culturale Ecclesiale “Terre del Capo di Leuca – De Finibus Terrae” – (Community Foundation for the Ecclesial Cultural Park of the Land of Capo di Leuca – De Finibus Terrae). Promotes spiritual, cultural, and social development of the local territory.
2. ITST – ITS Academy of Apulia for Tourism, Cultural Heritage, and Artistic Activities – (Higher Technical Institute for professional training in tourism and cultural sectors). Provides specialized education and training in tourism and cultural management.
3. Fondazione di Comunità Salento – (Salento Community Foundation). Works for local development through community engagement, solidarity, and sustainability initiatives.