Enhancing Circularity, Sustainability, and Innovation
LU.C.I. nel Parco
LUoghi Comuni a Impatto Sociale
This is a social innovation and impact investment project based in Grosseto (Tuscany, Italy), originated from the regeneration of a public building, through an experimental process inspired by the most authoritative international approaches to social innovation and impact investing.
Today the activities implemented in the building represent a a virtuous cicle of economic and social development.
Luci nel Parco economic approach has been repeated in the execution of other 2 projects in Italy.
Today the activities implemented in the building represent a a virtuous cicle of economic and social development.
Luci nel Parco economic approach has been repeated in the execution of other 2 projects in Italy.
Italy
National
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It involves a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2020-07-01
No
No
No
Organisation
The Social Promotion Association “Luoghi Comuni a Impatto Sociale” (LUCI APS) is the legal entity created to bring together and coordinate the promoters of the Social Impact Innovation project “Luci nel Parco.”
This is a social innovation and impact investment project based in the Municipality of Grosseto, promoted by a broad coalition of organizations, including Fondazione Etica, Caritas Diocesana di Grosseto, Confindustria Toscana Sud, and the Region of Tuscany. Over time, several other territorially representative institutions have joined the initiative.
The project originated from the regeneration of a public building—a former orphanage located in Rispescia, within the Maremma Natural Park—through an experimental process inspired by the most authoritative international approaches to social innovation and impact investing. The renovation of the building and the initial provision of furniture and equipment were financed entirely not through public or philanthropic funds, but, in an innovative way, through private savings: individual citizens subscribed to a dedicated deposit account, created exclusively for the Luci nel Parco project and for the achievement of its social and economic objectives.
Luci nel Parco grounds on the idea of:
- a real and concrete sustainability from all the ESG point of view: environmental for the regeneration of and old building, social for the whole organization system and governance for the new economic approach;
- and circularity of values, competences, products and money.
This is a social innovation and impact investment project based in the Municipality of Grosseto, promoted by a broad coalition of organizations, including Fondazione Etica, Caritas Diocesana di Grosseto, Confindustria Toscana Sud, and the Region of Tuscany. Over time, several other territorially representative institutions have joined the initiative.
The project originated from the regeneration of a public building—a former orphanage located in Rispescia, within the Maremma Natural Park—through an experimental process inspired by the most authoritative international approaches to social innovation and impact investing. The renovation of the building and the initial provision of furniture and equipment were financed entirely not through public or philanthropic funds, but, in an innovative way, through private savings: individual citizens subscribed to a dedicated deposit account, created exclusively for the Luci nel Parco project and for the achievement of its social and economic objectives.
Luci nel Parco grounds on the idea of:
- a real and concrete sustainability from all the ESG point of view: environmental for the regeneration of and old building, social for the whole organization system and governance for the new economic approach;
- and circularity of values, competences, products and money.
The idea was born from the will of importing in Italy the social impact investment project already implemented in other foreign countries and applying the so-called “solidarity bonds” introduced by the Italian Third Sector Reform, starting from the valorization of a misused public building.
Fondazione Etica, Caritas, Confindustria and Tuscany Region, first of all, identified a building to be renovated and made available for the whole community, through the start of economic, social and cultural activities.
They then looked for a primary Italian bank available to experiment an innovative bank product (i.e. a deposit account) guaranteeing a double earning: a percentage for the client and a percentage for the project.
That is, through semi-annual interest payments made to the subscribers, participants committed to allocating a fixed portion of these returns, in the form of tax-deductible charitable donations, over a period of four years.
In ten working days the bank collected EUR 35millions, which released - along four years - about EUR 600k in favour of the project, that had been used for the renovation of the building and all the necessary furniture and equipment.
Since 2020, the main activities are: a restaurant, managed by cooperatives dedicated to work placement and social inclusion; musical festivals thanks to which performing artists are then involved in musical courses for disadvantaged teenagers living in therapeutic communities; and a training school on social innovation themes addressed to civil servants, bank employees and no-profit workers.
Fondazione Etica, Caritas, Confindustria and Tuscany Region, first of all, identified a building to be renovated and made available for the whole community, through the start of economic, social and cultural activities.
They then looked for a primary Italian bank available to experiment an innovative bank product (i.e. a deposit account) guaranteeing a double earning: a percentage for the client and a percentage for the project.
That is, through semi-annual interest payments made to the subscribers, participants committed to allocating a fixed portion of these returns, in the form of tax-deductible charitable donations, over a period of four years.
In ten working days the bank collected EUR 35millions, which released - along four years - about EUR 600k in favour of the project, that had been used for the renovation of the building and all the necessary furniture and equipment.
Since 2020, the main activities are: a restaurant, managed by cooperatives dedicated to work placement and social inclusion; musical festivals thanks to which performing artists are then involved in musical courses for disadvantaged teenagers living in therapeutic communities; and a training school on social innovation themes addressed to civil servants, bank employees and no-profit workers.
urban regeneration
social inclusion
economic innovation
circular economy
co-design
As mentioned before, Luci nel Parco is a real ESG project:
- Environment: no new soil consumption, but recovery of an old public building, today available for the whole community (citizens, tourists etc.).
- Social: creation of new workplaces, development of cultural activities envisaging social integration and inclusion
- Governance: experimentation of a new (for Italy) typology of investment, having a social impact. In addition to this, all the companies involved in the renovating works, accepted payment extension to align with the interestes released by the time deposit account.
The presence of an economic business (is. the restaurant) is essential to guarantee the activitation of a series of courses and activities, addressing also people in difficulties.
Another crucial character in sustainability is the replicability of the project: and Luci nel Parco has constituted the pilot project for other two projects in Italy, grounded on the same financial model and with the same attention, on one hand, to the renovation of public buildings and, on the other hand, to the launch of a path of economic and social path, at the same time.
So, this project represents the very first example of social impact investing project, involving private liquidity, in Italy.
- Environment: no new soil consumption, but recovery of an old public building, today available for the whole community (citizens, tourists etc.).
- Social: creation of new workplaces, development of cultural activities envisaging social integration and inclusion
- Governance: experimentation of a new (for Italy) typology of investment, having a social impact. In addition to this, all the companies involved in the renovating works, accepted payment extension to align with the interestes released by the time deposit account.
The presence of an economic business (is. the restaurant) is essential to guarantee the activitation of a series of courses and activities, addressing also people in difficulties.
Another crucial character in sustainability is the replicability of the project: and Luci nel Parco has constituted the pilot project for other two projects in Italy, grounded on the same financial model and with the same attention, on one hand, to the renovation of public buildings and, on the other hand, to the launch of a path of economic and social path, at the same time.
So, this project represents the very first example of social impact investing project, involving private liquidity, in Italy.
First of all, a disused historical building is now returned to the community and produce an income (even if limited) for the Public Administration (i.e. Tuscany Region): so now people can go there and benefit from the renovated area.
Secondly, the restaurant involves local producers, valuing the whole agricultural food chain, and promoting traditional and local products that are the result of artisanal expertise.
Then, several activities take place in the building: music festival, cinema, yoga mindfulness, trekking that contribute to individual well-being, on one hand, and create a sense of harmonic community, on the other hand.
Furthermore, the area is frequented by a high number of tourists for many months during the year and this leads to an interesting and valuable exchange of values and mindsets, through which it is possible i) for residents to give importance to their own history and roots and ii) for tourists to live a local experience far away from the gentrification system.
Secondly, the restaurant involves local producers, valuing the whole agricultural food chain, and promoting traditional and local products that are the result of artisanal expertise.
Then, several activities take place in the building: music festival, cinema, yoga mindfulness, trekking that contribute to individual well-being, on one hand, and create a sense of harmonic community, on the other hand.
Furthermore, the area is frequented by a high number of tourists for many months during the year and this leads to an interesting and valuable exchange of values and mindsets, through which it is possible i) for residents to give importance to their own history and roots and ii) for tourists to live a local experience far away from the gentrification system.
Luci nel Parco is today a multifunctional space dedicated to social inclusion, cultural promotion and the development of innovative skills within the local community. The activities are coordinated by a social association whose mission is to promote accessibility and active participation, particularly for people experiencing social, economic or employment-related vulnerability.
To achieve this goal, the association works in close cooperation with a stable network of local social cooperatives and with the Social Policy Dpt. of the Municipality. Together they promote a wide range of social initiatives open to the entire community. While many social programs typically focus on a single target group (such as people with disabilities, visually impaired individuals, young people or the elderly) the approach adopted at Luci nel Parco aims instead to create integrated experiences in which different segments of the community can interact.
A particularly meaningful example of this approach is represented by the music initiative developed at Luci nel Parco. Since 2023 the organization has promoted a “circular festival” model. During the summer season, local artists — primarily musicians from the surrounding area — perform during aperitifs and dinners hosted in the venue. They are regularly compensated for their performances, but in return they commit to offering music lessons in the following months to young people facing difficult social circumstances, who have little or no opportunity to approach music education.
The program usually consists of around ten lessons, during which participants are encouraged not only to learn musical skills but also to collaboratively prepare a performance. This final show becomes the opening event of the following summer season.
By stepping outside the often isolated environments in which they live and performing as artists in front of a diverse audience, participants experience a meaningful moment of recognition and empowerment.
To achieve this goal, the association works in close cooperation with a stable network of local social cooperatives and with the Social Policy Dpt. of the Municipality. Together they promote a wide range of social initiatives open to the entire community. While many social programs typically focus on a single target group (such as people with disabilities, visually impaired individuals, young people or the elderly) the approach adopted at Luci nel Parco aims instead to create integrated experiences in which different segments of the community can interact.
A particularly meaningful example of this approach is represented by the music initiative developed at Luci nel Parco. Since 2023 the organization has promoted a “circular festival” model. During the summer season, local artists — primarily musicians from the surrounding area — perform during aperitifs and dinners hosted in the venue. They are regularly compensated for their performances, but in return they commit to offering music lessons in the following months to young people facing difficult social circumstances, who have little or no opportunity to approach music education.
The program usually consists of around ten lessons, during which participants are encouraged not only to learn musical skills but also to collaboratively prepare a performance. This final show becomes the opening event of the following summer season.
By stepping outside the often isolated environments in which they live and performing as artists in front of a diverse audience, participants experience a meaningful moment of recognition and empowerment.
First of all, it should be emphasized that the realization of the project was made possible primarily thanks to citizens themselves, and not only those living in the surrounding area. Private individuals who subscribed the social deposit account issued by a leading Italian bank played a decisive role: through this financial instrument, a portion of the interest generated by their deposits was allocated to support Luci nel Parco, providing the resources necessary to launch the initiative. Even more importantly, the success of this financial product demonstrated that it is possible to combine social commitment with beauty and cultural value—two dimensions that do not always manage to coexist in public initiatives.
The building has been granted in concession by the Tuscany Region to a social promotion association specifically established to manage the project. The association brings together members who contribute to the initiative according to their respective skills and professional backgrounds, offering administrative support, communication and promotional activities, as well as volunteer work aimed at strengthening the project’s social mission.
From the very beginning, a collaborative network has also been developed to support the management of the restaurant and the related cultural and social activities. This network involves both third-sector organizations and local producers, with the aim of enhancing local expertise and strengthening the economic and social fabric of the territory. In line with the project’s principles of openness, two different third-sector organizations have alternated over time in managing the restaurant and the related activities.
Although the day-to-day management is entrusted to private actors, Luci nel Parco remains a public facility and is therefore open to the broader community, maintaining a clear vocation as a shared space for social, cultural and civic engagement.
The building has been granted in concession by the Tuscany Region to a social promotion association specifically established to manage the project. The association brings together members who contribute to the initiative according to their respective skills and professional backgrounds, offering administrative support, communication and promotional activities, as well as volunteer work aimed at strengthening the project’s social mission.
From the very beginning, a collaborative network has also been developed to support the management of the restaurant and the related cultural and social activities. This network involves both third-sector organizations and local producers, with the aim of enhancing local expertise and strengthening the economic and social fabric of the territory. In line with the project’s principles of openness, two different third-sector organizations have alternated over time in managing the restaurant and the related activities.
Although the day-to-day management is entrusted to private actors, Luci nel Parco remains a public facility and is therefore open to the broader community, maintaining a clear vocation as a shared space for social, cultural and civic engagement.
As already mentioned, the RegionalAdministration played a key role in the project. Through its publicly controlled company responsible for managing the Regional RE assets, the former orphanage was put out to tender and subsequently assigned to the association promoting the initiative. The public sector still plays a crucial role today, for example by granting a reduced concession fee and by constantly supporting Luci nel Parco’s initiatives through the formal patronage of its activities.
Similarly, the ongoing dialogue with the municipal administration is essential for the development of initiatives specifically focused on social inclusion and community engagement.
The project was promoted by a network of 19 partners. In addition to Fondazione Etica, Confindustria and Caritas Grosseto, the initiative also involves other business associations (Confcommercio, Confesercenti and the National Crafts Consortium), national organizations including Legambiente, third-sector entities and local entrepreneurs. The contribution of all these actors has been fundamental in ensuring the credibility of the initiative and in promoting the community-based project across different institutional and social contexts.
An essential role was also played by the banking partner (MPS), which issued the deposit certificate dedicated to Luci nel Parco. Thanks to its extensive territorial network, the bank made it possible to reach the funding level foreseen under the project’s best-case scenario.
Given the innovative nature of this form of financial support, the initiative attracted the attention of several national stakeholders, including corporate foundations, banking institutions and public bodies. This visibility has already led to the launch of two additional projects based on the same financial mechanism. The underlying principle is that the multi-stakeholder structure is not only aimed at economic support, but at systematizing a new approach capable of generating a replicable model.
Similarly, the ongoing dialogue with the municipal administration is essential for the development of initiatives specifically focused on social inclusion and community engagement.
The project was promoted by a network of 19 partners. In addition to Fondazione Etica, Confindustria and Caritas Grosseto, the initiative also involves other business associations (Confcommercio, Confesercenti and the National Crafts Consortium), national organizations including Legambiente, third-sector entities and local entrepreneurs. The contribution of all these actors has been fundamental in ensuring the credibility of the initiative and in promoting the community-based project across different institutional and social contexts.
An essential role was also played by the banking partner (MPS), which issued the deposit certificate dedicated to Luci nel Parco. Thanks to its extensive territorial network, the bank made it possible to reach the funding level foreseen under the project’s best-case scenario.
Given the innovative nature of this form of financial support, the initiative attracted the attention of several national stakeholders, including corporate foundations, banking institutions and public bodies. This visibility has already led to the launch of two additional projects based on the same financial mechanism. The underlying principle is that the multi-stakeholder structure is not only aimed at economic support, but at systematizing a new approach capable of generating a replicable model.
The first discipline worth highlighting belongs to the field of social sciences, since the project is grounded in a social impact investing approach, a model already well established in other countries and closely connected to the economic and financial sphere. Within this framework, investment is not only aimed at generating financial returns, but also at producing measurable social value and positive change within local communities.
From a more operational point of view, architecture and design also represent an important component of Luci nel Parco. A significant renovation of the building was carried out, with particular attention to ecological sustainability and environmental responsibility, especially in the choice of materials, furniture, and interior solutions that reflect a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.
In addition to this, art must be mentioned for the central role played by music in the life of the project. However, when considering the range of summer activities, we cannot overlook cinema, sport (such as trekking and yoga), and artisanal workshops.
The tastings organized at the restaurant also foster a close connection with agronomy and winemaking, promoting local products and traditions while strengthening the relationship between gastronomy, territory, and cultural heritage.
Education is another fundamental dimension of the initiative. Through workshops, training activities, and conferences, it has been possible to build a path of knowledge sharing and repreplication that has already led to the development of new projects such as Casa Comune in Naples and TAPPA, an initiative connecting two Italian regions, Campania and Molise, with the aim of promoting cooperation, social innovation, and sustainable territorial development.
From a more operational point of view, architecture and design also represent an important component of Luci nel Parco. A significant renovation of the building was carried out, with particular attention to ecological sustainability and environmental responsibility, especially in the choice of materials, furniture, and interior solutions that reflect a balance between functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability.
In addition to this, art must be mentioned for the central role played by music in the life of the project. However, when considering the range of summer activities, we cannot overlook cinema, sport (such as trekking and yoga), and artisanal workshops.
The tastings organized at the restaurant also foster a close connection with agronomy and winemaking, promoting local products and traditions while strengthening the relationship between gastronomy, territory, and cultural heritage.
Education is another fundamental dimension of the initiative. Through workshops, training activities, and conferences, it has been possible to build a path of knowledge sharing and repreplication that has already led to the development of new projects such as Casa Comune in Naples and TAPPA, an initiative connecting two Italian regions, Campania and Molise, with the aim of promoting cooperation, social innovation, and sustainable territorial development.
As already illustrated, the entire phase of regeneration of the area and the renovation of the building was carried out relying exclusively on the shares of an innovative deposit product issued by a bank.
Thanks to the very positive results achieved by this valuable financial instrument, it was also possible to establish collaborations related to accountability, social media marketing, and training opportunities, strengthening both the organizational structure and the communication capacity of the project.
With regard to the management of the restaurant and the related cultural and social activities, most of the initiatives are implemented primarily through the revenues generated by the activities themselves. These resources are complemented by public or private funding obtained through competitive tenders and calls for proposals, which support the development of specific initiatives and programs.
To a smaller and non-systematic extent, the project has also benefited from some donations, provided by individuals and supporters who recognize the social and cultural value of the initiative and wish to contribute to its continuity and growth.
Thanks to the very positive results achieved by this valuable financial instrument, it was also possible to establish collaborations related to accountability, social media marketing, and training opportunities, strengthening both the organizational structure and the communication capacity of the project.
With regard to the management of the restaurant and the related cultural and social activities, most of the initiatives are implemented primarily through the revenues generated by the activities themselves. These resources are complemented by public or private funding obtained through competitive tenders and calls for proposals, which support the development of specific initiatives and programs.
To a smaller and non-systematic extent, the project has also benefited from some donations, provided by individuals and supporters who recognize the social and cultural value of the initiative and wish to contribute to its continuity and growth.
Without repeating what has already been described in previous paragraphs, it is important to reiterate here the central role played by the replicability of the model, which is embedded in the very structure of social impact investing. As mentioned earlier, this aspect has already been successfully implemented through two additional projects inspired by the same approach.
One of the main strengths of the model lies in the fact that a product such as a deposit account is a widely accessible banking instrument. It is simple to understand, familiar to most savers, and guarantees the return of the invested capital together with a margin of interest. Most banks, not only in Italy but also internationally, already include this type of product within their financial offer. For this reason, it can be relatively easy for many financial institutions to adapt and propose similar instruments to their clients in support of social impact initiatives.
A second key element is the identification of publicly owned buildings in need of regeneration. Almost every municipality or regional authority owns a significant number of unused or underutilized properties. Investing in their renovation allows for capital investment without additional land consumption, while at the same time generating new social, cultural, and economic opportunities for local communities.
Finally, another essential factor is the creation of a strong network of promoters, bringing together both public and private actors. This approach aligns perfectly with the increasingly relevant themes of co-design, collaborative governance, and public–private partnerships, which are now central to many local development and social innovation strategies.
One of the main strengths of the model lies in the fact that a product such as a deposit account is a widely accessible banking instrument. It is simple to understand, familiar to most savers, and guarantees the return of the invested capital together with a margin of interest. Most banks, not only in Italy but also internationally, already include this type of product within their financial offer. For this reason, it can be relatively easy for many financial institutions to adapt and propose similar instruments to their clients in support of social impact initiatives.
A second key element is the identification of publicly owned buildings in need of regeneration. Almost every municipality or regional authority owns a significant number of unused or underutilized properties. Investing in their renovation allows for capital investment without additional land consumption, while at the same time generating new social, cultural, and economic opportunities for local communities.
Finally, another essential factor is the creation of a strong network of promoters, bringing together both public and private actors. This approach aligns perfectly with the increasingly relevant themes of co-design, collaborative governance, and public–private partnerships, which are now central to many local development and social innovation strategies.
