FOMENTO DE FUNDACIONES, IN NUMBERS
Beneficiaries of Fomento de Fundaciones, in numbers
As this is a foundation promoted and supported by bankers, it is natural that most of the aid granted takes the form of loans or, to say the least, that this is attempted as the first option. Occasionally, additional assistance is provided in the form of technical advice. Both the founder of Fomento de Fundaciones, Rafael Termes, and Luis Valls himself, who supported the creation of this international foundation for educational and cultural purposes from the outset, maintained a policy against giving money as a gift. But not only that. Those who launched Fomento de Fundaciones wanted their social action to be based on certain criteria:
Firstly, to carry out credit operations always within standard programs: university cooperation, publishing, international cooperation, equipment… Secondly, the individuals or entities had to demonstrate that they had a viable project, capable of repaying the loan within a reasonable period.
A third pillar on which the aid of this Foundation is based is to be “the last resort” to complete financing after other sources had been approached. And, of course, these are institutions that promote educational projects abroad, as well as individuals who excel academically and who cannot pursue their educational projects due to lack of means.
The reason for lending rather than giving sums up the desire to promote a culture of effort with the intention of multiplying the effectiveness of aid, as repayments are used for new loans. Luis Valls always explained that all aid remained active because it had not been given away; loans would be recovered and funds would continue to be lent.
Fomento de Fundaciones offers different forms of assistance, always adapted to each particular need:
1.Reimbursable loans: the foundation offers the necessary resources temporarily and free of charge to cover extraordinary expenses or initial investments. A schedule of repayment is established taking into account the circumstances of each beneficiary.
2. Study grants: support for educational and training programs for foreign students, who commit to repay the aid once they complete their studies.
3. Non-reimbursable grants: non-returnable resources granted for those needs that, by their nature, make repayment unfeasible. Generally, these grants are awarded on a cost-sharing basis, with the beneficiary contributing a percentage of the project’s cost. The foundation strives to prioritize reimbursable loans because we believe in mutual support and commitment. Project selection is rigorous; each case is carefully evaluated to confirm its viability.
The goal is always to stimulate the initiative of the beneficiaries. Each beneficiary must contribute their effort and responsibility through viable and well-projected action plans. During the study phase, the Foundation provides technical assistance. Financial aid is granted only when the coherence and viability of the project are confirmed.
The Foundation’s resources come primarily from three sources: income from assets (dividends and interest), donations, bequests, and legacies, sometimes earmarked for specific purposes, and repayments from beneficiaries who, as agreed, progressively return the funds received.
Fomento de Fundaciones, from 1988 to 2024
The following graphics show the amount allocated to different projects, the number of projects, their distribution by fields, and the geographical areas that have received these aids.
Taking as a reference the period from 1988 to 2024, Fomento de Fundaciones has supported 2,590 projects for a total of 213,321,823.34 €.
Projects by field
If we analyze the various fields in which the over 2,500 projects fall, 40% are in the youth and education sector, 28% in culture and research, and 22% are student grants.
Data by aid types
Looking at the aid granted, classified as reimbursable loans or non-reimbursable grants, Fomento de Fundaciones allocated most of its expenditure to the former, that is, to soft loans. 84% of total aid (equivalent to over €179 million) were loans that were repaid, while only 16% were non-repayable grants.
Expenditure by field
As described in the mission and vision of this foundation, Fomento de Fundaciones aims to assist individuals and entities related to education and culture. In the analyzed period, almost half of its aid expenditure (49%) went to “Education and youth,” 35% to “Culture and research,” 10% to “Social welfare and development cooperation,” 3% to “Religious and diocesan institutions,” and the remaining 3% to students in general.
Geographical distribution of expenditure
More than half the expenditure of Fomento de Fundaciones (51%) during this period was allocated to European countries, including Spain, albeit in a minor proportion (only 4% of the total, slightly less than €8.5 million).
Aids by continents
The international vocation of Fomento de Fundaciones has meant that its aids reach all five continents. Europe has been the largest beneficiary of its aids, receiving over €103 million in the analyzed period.
Next in line, within America, is Latin America with over €46 million. Subsequently, Africa and Asia received €20 million and €22 million respectively.
Oceania received aids worth over €7 million, and North America received just under €1 million.
