A common thread: health, solidarity, culture, environment

The Foundation named after my grandfather Guido was born from a simple yet radical principle: social responsibility is a moral duty.
Today, more than ever, we feel the urgency to take a stand, act concretely, and support those who, every day, contribute to improving the world we live in.

Over the past years, we have built a broad, structured, and locally rooted commitment. A commitment that embraces four key areas: health, solidarity, culture, and the environment.

Health and Research: acting where it matters, with those who make a difference

During the pandemic we supported the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), funding research projects for infection prevention. The initiative included free swabs and serological tests for patients and staff, followed by studies on the immune response of healthcare workers and patients, with the goal of assessing the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines.

In response to the health emergency, we also:

• (2020) funded 12 new intensive care beds at Milan’s Policlinico Hospital.
• (2020) provided PPE to Hospice Il Nespolo in Airuno; donated 15 beds to Mandic Hospital in Merate; 6 portable ultrasound scanners, one motorized X-ray unit, and another scanner to Manzoni Hospital in Lecco.
• (2020) donated a ventilator to Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital in Bergamo.
• (2020) partnered with Hope Onlus to activate 18 intensive care units in Brazil.
• (2020–2021) donated a fibroscope and a defibrillator to Niguarda Hospital in Milan (via Urological Association Niguarda Onlus).
• (2020–2021) provided medical devices to hospitals and practitioners: sanitizing gel for several facilities including Legnano Hospital, Multimedica in Sesto San Giovanni, and Asst Nord Milano; supported AMVI Onlus (Italian Volunteer Doctors) with the purchase of a Medibios disinfection system; donated thousands of washable cotton masks to Save the Children Onlus; provided aid to FIMMG (Italian Federation of General Practitioners).
• (2020–2023) worked with “Le Comunità della Salute” and the Monza-Lecco-Sondrio Volunteer Center on a project supporting prevention and addressing new poverty in Covid times.
• (2025–2026) promoted youth well-being through the Happy.diventare capaci project, supporting families, schools, and educational networks, together with Minotauro, Spazio Aperto Servizi ETS, CSV Monza-Lecco-Sondrio, and “Le Comunità della Salute”.

We believe in medicine that heals, but also in research that prevents, listens, and protects.

Social Commitment and Solidarity: vulnerabilities cannot be ignored

In Italy, needs are not only medical but often social, relational, and psychological. With this in mind, we have:

• (2020) worked with L’Albero della Vita to provide food and essentials to families in extreme poverty.
• (2020–2021) supported Caritas Ambrosiana in creating the Ostello della Solidarietà for the homeless in Lecco.
• (2020) promoted reception projects with Spazio Aperto Servizi, offering educational, psychological, and material support to abused minors, people with disabilities, and fragile families.
• (2020–2021) supported Il Pane Quotidiano, which distributes meals and basic goods daily.
• (2021) with Progetto Arca, launched a major reception initiative for the homeless with dogs, purchasing a 500 sqm farmhouse in Milan’s Baggio district.
• (2021) took part in the humanitarian response for refugees in the Lipa camp (Bosnia).
• (2021–2022) supported the renovation of a building in Seregno, turning it into a “Casa della Carità,” a pathway to dignity and autonomy.
• (2021 and 2023–24) launched the “Taxi Solidale” project, offering free rides to vulnerable people during the pandemic.
• (2021–2023) supported free psychotherapy programs for families in difficulty, in collaboration with Minotauro.
• (2022) contributed to the “Spazio Aperto al Servizio della Comunità” project in Milan, supporting people with disabilities and minors with four community centers across the city.
• (2025–2026) supported “Spazi di Crescita”, offering educational and psychological support, family assistance, housing autonomy, and tools for independence.

Behind every project lies a face, a story, and a possibility of redemption.

Culture and Education: because to grow is also to remember

Culture is essential nourishment. That is why we chose to invest in initiatives that educate, inspire, and build awareness, particularly among young people.

• (2018–19 and 2020–21) Contributed to the “Architecture of Places, Architecture of Emotions” award with Amici della Triennale, introducing students to architecture as a way of interpreting reality.
• (2021) Supported the B.Livers project and their journal Il Bullone, giving a voice to young people facing complex illnesses.
• (2018 and 2022–2025) With the Lombard Historical Society, promoted five editions of “Enter the Library with a Click”, bringing students closer to Milan’s history and original archival sources.
• (2024–2025) With Teatro Franco Parenti, supported the play “Chi come me”, offering free tickets to schools and young audiences.
• (2024–2025) With Deascuola and Fondazione Bullone, organized webinars for teachers and students on youth resilience and educational tools.
• (2025) Supported contemporary art with an exhibition of Remo Salvadori at Palazzo Reale in Milan, curated by Elena Tettamanti and Antonella Soldaini.
• (2025–2026) Promoted “L’età sospesa” with Teatro Franco Parenti, using theatre to explore adolescence, fostering dialogue between young people, adults, and educators.

Environment: planting trees to cultivate the future

In 2024, we launched a reforestation project in Albiate, covering 25 hectares, to counter climate change and regenerate the landscape by introducing more resilient tree species. In 2025, the project was entrusted to a landscape architect to prepare a proposal for the Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape Superintendency.

Looking Ahead

The Guido Venosta Foundation will continue to stand alongside those who, day after day, build a fairer, more inclusive, and more aware society. We will do so with consistency, attentiveness, and a commitment that always puts people at the center.

To all our co-protagonists — pictured below — and to Guido Alberti, Francesco Bragiotti, Alberto Brunelli, Alice Ghio, Stefano Magnoni, and Elena Tettamanti, goes our heartfelt gratitude: their contribution is living proof that change happens when diverse experiences come together around a shared goal.