Celebrating Positive Change: Fondazione con il Sud Honored with “Good News” Award
The 17th annual “Good News” Award, recognizing accurate and balanced reporting that highlights the positive aspects of society, was presented to Fondazione con il Sud on February 14, 2026. The foundation was recognized for its role as a leading “incubator” of best practices and its ongoing commitment to the civil and social development of Southern Italy.
A Beacon of Hope for Southern Italy
Fondazione con il Sud, established in 2006, operates as a non-profit organization fostering social infrastructure in Southern Italy. It achieves this by supporting initiatives focused on education, legality, youth development, cultural heritage preservation, and social welfare. The award acknowledges the foundation’s significant impact in a region often facing economic and social challenges.
The foundation has supported over 1,900 initiatives in 18 years, contributing nearly 320 million euros in private resources. This includes the establishment of the first seven community foundations in Southern Italy – in Naples, Salerno, Benevento, Messina, the Val di Noto, Agrigento, and Trapani – engaging over 7,500 organizations in the process.
Recognizing Journalistic Excellence
Alongside Fondazione con il Sud, the “Good News” Award also honored prominent journalists for their contributions to positive and insightful reporting. This year’s recipients included Gian Antonio Stella of Corriere della Sera, Turkish journalist Esma Çakir of Euronews, and investigative reporter Angela Iantosca.
The Power of Positive Journalism
The “Good News” Award, organized by Ucsi Caserta Aps in collaboration with the Corriere Buone Notizie of Corriere della Sera, emphasizes the importance of balanced and constructive journalism. The award is supported by the National and Campania Orders of Journalists, Fisc (Italian Federation of Catholic Weeklies), the Caserta Journalists’ Union, and Ucsi (Italian Catholic Press Union).
The Rise of Social Infrastructure Funds
Fondazione con il Sud’s success highlights a growing trend: the increasing importance of social infrastructure funds. These funds invest in projects that strengthen communities, improve social well-being, and address systemic challenges. Unlike traditional infrastructure projects focused on physical structures, social infrastructure focuses on the networks, institutions, and relationships that underpin a thriving society.
This approach, pioneered by Giuseppe Guzzetti, is unique in its ability to develop generative practices in Southern Italy, particularly at a time when the region’s challenges are often overlooked.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Community-Led Development
The model employed by Fondazione con il Sud offers valuable lessons for community-led development initiatives worldwide. Key takeaways include:
- Collaboration is Crucial: Successful initiatives require strong partnerships between foundations, non-profits, public entities, and the private sector.
- Local Ownership Matters: Empowering local communities to identify and address their own needs is essential for sustainable impact.
- Long-Term Investment is Key: Sustained funding and support are necessary to build lasting social infrastructure.
FAQ
What is Fondazione con il Sud?
Fondazione con il Sud is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the social and civil development of Southern Italy through investment in community-led initiatives.
What is the “Good News” Award?
The “Good News” Award recognizes accurate and balanced reporting that highlights positive aspects of society and individuals contributing to positive change.
Who were the other winners of the 2026 “Good News” Award?
Gian Antonio Stella, Esma Çakir, and Angela Iantosca were also honored for their contributions to journalism.
Where was the award ceremony held?
The ceremony took place at the Library of the Seminary in Caserta, Italy, on February 14, 2026.
Did you know? Fondazione con il Sud was founded as an alliance between banking foundations and the Third Sector and volunteer organizations.
Pro Tip: Supporting local foundations and non-profits is a powerful way to contribute to positive change in your community.
We encourage you to explore the work of Fondazione con il Sud and other organizations dedicated to building stronger, more resilient communities. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
