CECA strengthens the role of its foundations as a social engine in the territories in Ávila

The Executive Committee of Social Action and Foundations of CECA holds its annual meeting with the participation of more than 20 foundations and the collaboration of the Fundación

Ávila Antonio Romero, General Director of CECA, emphasized the importance of the work carried out by the foundations, deeply rooted in their communities, as key to strengthening territorial cohesion and achieving real social impact

CECA held in Ávila, on September 18 and 19, the annual meeting of its Executive Committee of Social Action and Foundations, which brought together the main representatives of the associated entities. The event, organized with the collaboration of Fundación Ávila, highlighted the fundamental role played by the foundations in the sector in promoting social cohesion, territorial integration, and heritage preservation.

During two days, the representatives of CECA and the associated foundations developed a work program that combined institutional meetings with cultural activities and the enhancement of the territory. Among the main events, the institutional reception at the Provincial Council of Ávila, presided over by Carlos García González, stood out, as well as the presentation of Fundación Ávila: engine of change, which highlighted the contribution of the host entity to the cultural, educational, and social development of the province. Carlos Carrera, the General Director of Fundación Ávila, thanked CECA for its trust and stated that “this meeting reinforces Fundación Ávila’s vocation to be a driving agent of the cultural and social life of our territory.”

The General Director of CECA, Antonio Romero, emphasized that among the primary priorities of the association is the promotion of the role played by the associated foundations, which he highlighted as “representing not only our social vocation but also the guarantee that this vocation translates into action, real impact, and transformation in people’s lives.” He also thanked Fundación Ávila for its role as host and stressed that this meeting reflects the spirit of the foundations in the sector, deeply rooted in their communities and knowledgeable about the reality of each territory.

Romero also emphasized the value of cooperation between entities and public-private collaboration, as well as the need to advance in new methodologies to measure social impact, relying on technological tools that allow for better visibility of the sector’s contribution. Romero concluded by pointing out the preparation for CECA’s centenary, which will be celebrated in 2028, as an opportunity to highlight the historical and present contribution of the association and its foundations.

Among the attendees were representatives from more than 20 foundations from all over Spain, including Fundación Caja Burgos, Fundación Caja Rioja, Fundación Círculo de Burgos, Fundación Caja Navarra, Fundación La Caja de Canarias, Fundación Mediterráneo, Fundación Caja Extremadura, FUNCAS, Fundación CAI, FUNDOS, Fundación Caja Castellón, Fundación Ibercaja, Caixa Pollença, Fundación Montemadrid, and CaixaBank, as well as the management team of CECA and Fundación Ávila as the host.

The meeting also served to reaffirm the joint commitment of CECA and its foundations in key areas such as financial inclusion, support for youth and the elderly, the fight against rural depopulation, cultural promotion, and sustainability. The foundations of CECA represent the main private social investor in Spain, with more than 900 million euros allocated in 2024. 36% of the investment was directed to social programs, and more than 172 million were dedicated to culture and heritage.