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Presentation Italy
Prof. Dott. Maurizio Ambrosini, University of
Milano
Dott. Luciano Ambrosio, responsible for project
Union.Etica
ESF Programme “Sovvenzione
Globale – Piccoli Sussidi” and its
implementation in the Piedmont
M. Ambrosini L. Ambrosio
region
In Italy, the ESF support instrument “Small Grants“ is being implemented on a regional
level through the programme “Sovvenzione Globale – Piccoli Sussidi“. In all 21 regionally
operating programmes (POR – Programma Operativo Regionale), the stated intention was
to allocate a “reasonable amount” of at least 0.5 % of ESF funds for the new instrument
“small grants“(Piccoli Sussidi). So far, this has been achieved in 18 regions and
autonomous provinces, whereby the durations of the support period differ regionally.
A total figure of 82.631.346,82 € is available for the regional implementation of the
programme. Between 80 and 90 % of this sum is designated for “small grants” and the
remainder for the expenses of the intermediary body responsible for the regional
implementation of the programme. Additional financial aid from the organisations of
through sponsors can be added to this sum.
The intermediary bodies (OI – Organismi Intermediari) are composed of local
associations, regional development agencies and NGOs. Their task is the acquisition and
accompaniment of associations undertaking the micro-projects. The decision on the
awarding of subsidies is made by the appropriate administrative committee/advisory board
consisting of representatives from the organisations involved in the intermediary body. A
preliminary selection of micro-projects is undertaken by independent experts from the
areas ESF / start-up.
The intermediary bodies receive support from TECNOSTRUTTURA, the umbrella
organisation for all regions and autonomous provinces in connection with the ESF.
TECNOSTRUTTURA is additionally responsible for an interregional project – “Network
for social integration” (Fare rete per l’inclusione sociale) in which a total of 12 Italian
regions and autonomous provinces have been involved since 2003. The aim of this project
is to exchange and analyse information relating to the instrument "Sovvenzione Globale –
Piccoli Sussidi” which concerns the integration of disadvantaged persons.
The amount of the subsidies supporting the micro-projects normally averages between
2,000 and 50,000 € (in certain areas, higher amounts are possible). In some regions and
autonomous provinces, co-financing is also mandatory.
The purpose of the micro-projects is the encouragement of the economy, the
integration of disadvantaged persons in employment and the improvement of the quality of
businesses in the third sector. The following actions can receive support:
• Development of integrated services.
• Support of business start-ups and the self-employment of disadvantaged
persons. The professional integration of persons in social associations through
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