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:
- The Family Fund (internal funds of the Foundation)
- Resources from the Ricrediti Association
- 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:
- Banca Popolare Pugliese (BPP)
- Banca di Credito Cooperativo Terra d’Otranto (BCC Terra d’Otranto)
- Banca Mediolanum
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Fondazione di Comunità Salento – (Salento Community Foundation). Works for local development through community engagement, solidarity, and sustainability initiatives.
