Fondazione Santagata, commissioned by Torino Città per le Donne and within the framework of the Next Generation You programme – Guidelines for the organisational development of the third sector promoted by Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, accompanied the organisation through an organisational strengthening pathway aimed at supporting its growth, autonomy and sustainability. The work included an integrated analysis of the organisation, processes, relationships, communication, economic dimension and legal-organisational structure; the definition of a multi-year strategic plan; and the development of an operational proposal to translate the strategy into concrete actions. The pathway supported TOxD during a crucial transformation phase: from the consolidation of the Association, established as a Committee in 2020 and later formalised as an APS, to the creation of a Foundation capable of ensuring greater continuity, professionalisation, asset autonomy, project capacity and impact on local gender equality policies.

Context

Torino Città per le Donne was established in 2020, during the pandemic period, as a non-profit Committee with the aim of transforming Turin into a city more attentive to women’s needs, rights and participation. In 2021, the TOxD Manifestoand the document “La senti questa voce” involved around 400 people in thematic working groups focused on living, education, work, decision-making, administration, coexistence, care and the promotion of well-being. In December 2021, TOxD was formalised as an Associazione di Promozione Sociale (APS).

Over the years, the organisation has developed significant projects, including the proposal for a regional electoral law on gender quotas, the Ad Maiora political school, the Women & the City Festival, the WomenTOring project and research and advocacy activities on gender equality in local policies. However, the growth of its membership base, now around 250 members, and the increase in its project capacity have highlighted the need to move beyond a structure still largely based on volunteering, distributed expertise and informal processes, through a new organisational and legal framework.

Objectives

The project aims to strengthen Torino Città per le Donne as a stable, authoritative and sustainable organisation promoting gender equality, women’s participation and the integration of a gender perspective into urban policies.

The main objectives are:

  • defining the most appropriate legal structure for the organisation’s evolution through the establishment of a Foundation connected to the Association;
  • clarifying the forms of participation of the Association and its members within the future Foundation;
  • approving and registering the Foundation’s Statute and Deed of Incorporation;
  • acquiring and regulating the use of the TOxD brand;
  • creating a stable working team, including the appointment of a Director and area managers;
  • strengthening the internal fundraising structure and fundraising plan;
  • identifying ways to increase own resources through the sale of goods and services;
  • designing a public-facing venue conceived to respond to women’s needs;
  • strengthening TOxD’s positioning towards the City of Turin and institutional stakeholders;
  • developing practical actions to make Turin a more “women-friendly” city.

Expected Results / Impact

The pathway resulted in a strategic and operational roadmap designed to accompany TOxD in its transition towards a more structured, professional and sustainable model. The operational proposal is articulated around three main Work Packages: Foundation, Human Resources and Economic Resources, alongside overall project coordination.

The main expected results include:

  • establishment of the Foundation and definition of its relationship with the Association;
  • preservation of associative life as a space for participation, community building and advocacy;
  • greater decision-making and managerial efficiency through the new foundation-based structure;
  • definition of the Statute, Deed of Incorporation, brand management and legal participation tools;
  • appointment of a Director and formalisation of an organisational chart with area managers;
  • strengthening of internal functions related to administration, project development, fundraising, communication, events, training and research;
  • greater capacity to attract public and private financial resources;
  • development of a three-year fundraising plan and a shared database of funders and opportunities;
  • preparation of a plan for the sale of goods and services, including pricing, targets and promotional strategies;
  • strengthening of TOxD’s role within city governance and gender policies;
  • greater continuity and impact of activities addressed to women, institutions, businesses, associations and local communities.

Partners

  • Torino Città per le Donne / TOxD – beneficiary organisation
  • Fondazione Santagata per l’Economia della Cultura – strategic advisor / methodological support
  • Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo – promoter of the Guidelines / Next Generation You programme