The report identifies four main challenges for the Third Sector: the growing fluidity of volunteering, the centrality of human capital, economic sustainability and the need for closer collaboration with public administration and the private sector. These aspects are fundamental for the renewal of the Third Sector, especially after the recent reform, which has promoted greater transparency and collaboration between bodies and institutions.
From an economic point of view, the non-profit sector contributes significantly to the Italian economy, representing 4,4% of GDP with an annual value of 84 billion euros. However, 59,8% of entities do not exceed 30.000 euros in annual revenue, making clear the need to support small and medium-sized organizations, which constitute the majority.
Fondazione Cattolica: Two Calls for the Future of the Third Sector
To address these challenges, Fondazione Cattolica has launched two new calls, each worth 500.000 euros. The first, “Una Mano a chi sostenere”, aims to support projects that promote inclusion and social cohesion, with a positive and measurable impact over time. The second call, “People Raising 2024”, is intended to facilitate the recruitment of qualified human resources within Third Sector entities.
These calls aim not only to respond to the immediate needs of organizations, but also to promote structural renewal, encouraging innovation and collaboration with public and private institutions.
A Future of Collaboration and Innovation
The presentation of the report highlighted the need to strengthen the dialogue between the Third Sector, the public and private companies to face future challenges. Barbara Lucini, Head of Country Sustainability & Social Responsibility of Generali Italia, stated that the Third Sector plays a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion in a context of rapid technological and social changes. Lucini also highlighted the importance of the Third Sector reform, which is promoting the professionalization and transparency of entities, making them key players in social innovation in Italy.
Paolo Bedoni, President of Fondazione Cattolica, instead underlined the importance of philanthropy and the need to find structural solutions for the difficulties of growth and consolidation of the Third Sector. “Our calls,” said Bedoni, “are designed to strengthen the organizational and managerial skills of the entities, encouraging collaboration with local institutions and promoting a more rooted culture of philanthropy.”
Risk Management and the Need for Insurance
Another crucial issue that emerged from the report is risk management, especially in relation to volunteers. Although 83,6% of the organizations have taken out insurance for their volunteers, the remaining 16,4% have not yet adopted protective measures. This data highlights the need to further raise awareness among organizations on insurance and management issues to ensure the sustainability of their work.
The Social Impact of the Third Sector
The Third Sector not only contributes to the economy, but plays a fundamental role in social cohesion. With over 4,6 million volunteers and 900.000 employees, nonprofit organizations offer vital services to Italian families, especially in the areas of disability, social isolation and economic poverty. However, the challenge of generational turnover and the decrease in the number of organized volunteers require a reflection on the ways of involving young people, with particular attention to “liquid” volunteering and new forms of participation.
Il Third Sector Report 2024 represents an in-depth analysis of the economic and social dynamics of non-profits in Italy. The initiatives promoted by Generali and Fondazione Cattolica are a clear signal of the private sector's commitment to supporting the growth and evolution of the Third Sector, strengthening its role as a driver of social cohesion and innovation.
