In the history of fundraising for the Opera di Santa Croce, the commitment and dedication of American and British donors have been a constant, and there has been a comforting flow of interest and generosity from philanthropists, supporters and friends. This undoubtedly stems from the tradition of philanthropy in the Anglo-Saxon world in general and the habit of considering “giving back” as an essential part of civilized society. Fundraising, as intended today with campaigns and social engagement, began in Santa Croce around 2012.
Owned by the Italian Interior Ministry’s Fondo Edifici di Culto (FEC) and by the City of Florence, the monumental complex of Santa Croce has been managed by the Opera di Santa Croce since the fourteenth century. The immense artistic heritage and civil value of the monuments and memorials preserved in Santa Croce requires an important and constant upkeep that the Opera, today a secular non-profit organization, carries out without any public subsidies, thanks only to funds raised with paid visits and private donations. Donations are, therefore, of vital importance to the completion of the many restoration projects taken on over the years. But for the Opera di Santa Croce it is not just about raising financial support—albeit much needed. It is also about creating a network of like-minded people who care deeply about this great heritage and its conservation for future generations.
How Florence lovers give back to Santa Croce
An example of the most affectionate supporters are the Friends of Florence, an American non-profit organization who, starting in 2012 with the restoration of the impressive cross hanging over the Altar of the Chancel Chapel (14th century and attributed to the artist Maestro di Figline), carried on donating to selected projects over the years, such as the beautiful glazed terracotta by Giovanni della Robbia, Madonna and Child with Saints (16th century) and the monumental marble tomb of Gian Battista Niccolini, poet, playwright and statesman during Italy’s unification in the 19th century. This restoration project was carried out in 2019 as part of celebrations honoring the 200th anniversary of the U.S. Consulate in Florence.
In 2014, the Opera di Santa Croce launched Crazy for Pazzi, its first crowdfunding campaign set up for the restoration of the Pazzi Chapel loggia. It attracted donors from 14 different countries with the United States as the main sector. Several lasting friendships were struck up then and in ensuing fundraising projects. One is Donna Malin, who over the years has become an affectionate, constant donor and dear friend of Santa Croce, donating for Crazy for Pazzi, In the Name of Michelangelo and the restoration of the monumental tomb of Machiavelli. Donna is currently covering the restoration costs for the monument to the iconic Louise Stolberg, Countess of Albany inside the Castellani Chapel, an extraordinary woman who set an example for her strong will and political genius in keeping with Donna’s numerous activities in support of women.
In 2018, a passion for Michelangelo and Florence prompted over 100 donors from 12 different countries, with the United States accounting for over 70 per cent, to donate to the restoration of the monumental tomb and the Buonarroti altarpiece, both by Giorgio Vasari. In the Name of Michelangelo, the fundraising project of Santa Croce, achieved its fundraising, cultural and civic goals.
Bringing another iconic monument, Dante’s Cenotaph, back to its original splendour of white marble and glowing gold leaf, was only possible thanks to the empathy of Christian Levett, an English former hedge fund manager who collects art and has opened a museum in France, as well as owning a private collection in his Florentine home. He decided to donate a substantial sum for the restoration of the memorial to Dante in 2021.
Recently, Santa Croce Opera received a generous gift for a beloved one: Anne Farrell, one of the dear friends and supporter of Santa Croce for many years has made a donation for the Giving4Giotto fundraising project in memory of her beloved husband, John.
Join the Opera in this great task, so that every stone, fresco and stained glass of Santa Croce’s magnificent architecture will survive through the centuries to come.
