On September 15, in the historic setting of the Palazzo Vecchio, the Fondazione Claudio Ciai marked an anniversary by looking firmly towards the future.
Sixteen years ago, on September 15, 2010, a road accident dramatically changed the life of Claudio Ciai and his family. After more than three and a half years of medical care, Claudio died in 2014. Less than a month later, the Fondazione Claudio Ciai was established in Florence, born from a simple but powerful idea: while nothing more could be done for Claudio himself, what his family had experienced could become a way of helping others. Since then, September 15 has become not simply a day of remembrance for the foundation, but a moment to look ahead.
This year, that idea takes shape through two new initiatives: the introduction of an educational programme inspired by Il sasso galleggiante, an illustrated children’s book in Italian by Francesco Ciai, president of the Fondazione Claudio Ciai, and the eighth edition of the foundation’s CiaiUnSogno grant.
From the book to the classroom
Published by Milan-based Carthusia Edizioni and illustrated by Paola Formica, Il sasso galleggiante is aimed at children aged four to eight. Through the poetic story of a small stone that is different from all the others, the book explores identity, self-respect, respect for others, acceptance of difference and the search for one’s place in the world.
The foundation is developing a programme of educational workshops for children in Florence and beyond. Its team will bring activities to schools, community centres and bookshops, using the book as a starting point for conversations and creative exercises around identity, difference, respect and empathy.
For Francesco Ciai, the project represents a meaningful evolution of the foundation’s original mission. “The foundation was established out of the profound pain of September 15, 2010,” he says. “Over the years, we have tried to turn this date into something that could belong to others, too.”
CiaiUnSogno returns for its eighth edition
The September 15 presentation also marked the opening of the eighth edition of CiaiUnSogno, the foundation’s grant programme supporting projects focused on social inclusion for people with disabilities or those experiencing situations of vulnerability, as well as initiatives protecting individual dignity and freedom.
This year’s fund totals 10,000 euro, including €5,500 raised by Susanna and Lorenzo, who asked their wedding guests to support the Fondazione Claudio Ciai instead of giving traditional gifts. The money will help fund this year’s CiaiUnSogno programme.
Applications are open through November 15, 2026, with details and submission procedures available on the foundation’s website (in Italian).
