“la Caixa” Foundation

The Fundación Bancaria Caixa d’Estalvis i Pensions de Barcelona, “la Caixa”, is the result of the transformation of Caixa d’Estalvis i Pensions de Barcelona, “la Caixa” into “la Caixa” Banking Foundation, in compliance with the Savings Banks and Banking Foundations Law, of 27 December 2013.

“la Caixa” was created in 1990 from the merger between Caja de Pensiones para la Vejez y de Ahorros de Cataluña y Baleares, founded in 1904, and Caja de Ahorros y Monte de Piedad de Barcelona, founded in 1844. From the start, the main activity of “la Caixa” was its dedication to family savings, and offering all its clients a pension insurance when this kind of benefit was not yet available in Spain.

Mission

To build a better, more just society, that offers greater opportunities to the people who most need them.

Geographic Focus

Spain, Portugal, Africa, Asia and Latin America

Programme Areas

The foundation operates in the following areas:
• Poverty and Social Action
• Research & Health
• Education & Scholarships
• Culture
• Science
• International

Poverty and Social Action: In this area the foundation carries out social initiatives that help people overcome difficult situations, with particular attention to those living in poverty. This includes the following programmes:
– Poverty
– Employment integration
– The elderly
– Volunteering
– Housing Programme
– Social Organisations and Companies
– Intercultural Relations and Social Cohesion
– Violence: Zero Tolerance

Research and Health: by supporting research programmes they aim to find new solutions to prevent, treat and eradicate diseases such as AIDS, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Their hospital care programmes are aimed at supporting and accompanying the most vulnerable patients: hospitalised children and people at the most advanced stage of their illness. This are includes the following programmes:
– Research in Life and Health Science: Infectious diseases; Oncology, Cardiovascular Diseases, Neuroscience, Medical Sciences
– Comprehensive care for people with advanced diseases
– Research in Life and Health Sciences – RecerCaixa
– Child Hospitalization – Hospital Ciber Caixas
– Innovation and Technological Transfer – CaixaImpulse
– Postgraduate scholarships

Education and Scholarships: the foundation invests in the talent of young people by offering scholarships and training opportunities. The activities connected with this area are:
– Educaixa
– Scholarships

Culture: the foundation aims at giving access to culture though its permanent centres and an extensive programme of activities in all towns and cities where it is active.
– CAIXAFORUM (Barcelona, Madrid, Palma, Girona, Terragona, Lleida, Zaragoza)
– Travelling Exhibitions
– Cultural Alliances
– Music
– CaixaEscena
– FotoPres
– Contemporary Art Collection
– Calls for Applications (Art for Change “La Caixa and Comisart)

Science: within this area the foundation develops and support projects that help create a scientific culture among citizens and an attitude of personal commitment to the planet’s sustainable development. This includes the following activities:
– CosmoCaixa
– Travelling Exhibitions
– Science and Society: RRI Tools, Xplore Health, Science City, Scientist Camp, Educational Innovation, Collaborating Centers
– The Environment: Conservation of Natural Areas; Gardens of Cap Roig; Safeguarding the Local Area, Ecoinnovation laboratory, ClimaDat, MedClic, The Sea in Depth

International: the foundation promotes projects that generate sustainable economies and contribute to the development of the most vulnerable countries in Asia, Africa and South America. These are the activites included in this area:
– Calls for Applications: Socio-Economic Development programme, Programme for Training projects in Africa, CooperantesCaixa, Humanitarian action: Children malnutrition programme
– Global Development
– Global Health