Adopta Un Abuelo

What Adopta Un Abuelo does

Adopta Un Abuelo is a Spanish nonprofit foundation (FUNDACIÓN ADOPTA UN ABUELO, Tax ID G56246788, converted from association in December 2023) that operates a volunteer-driven intergenerational companionship program connecting young volunteers with elderly individuals experiencing unwanted loneliness in care residences and at home. Headquartered in Madrid (Calle Orense 12) with roots in Ciudad Real where it was founded in October 2014 by Alberto Cabanes, the organization runs a stack of programs including weekly in-person volunteering (1.5 hours, six-month minimum commitment), a dreams-fulfillment program (Sueños), monthly birthday celebrations (Cumpleaños), corporate volunteering, a school program (Colegios), and solidarity weddings (Bodas Solidarias). A dual-entity architecture separates the social mission (Fundación) from the technology platform (INTERGENERATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES, S.L., Tax ID B13603691, Ciudad Real).

The underlying technology is a volunteer management platform delivered through a website (adoptaunabuelo.org) and a mobile application launched in October 2021 on iOS and Android (33,000+ downloads as of July 2024), with integrated call and video functionality for secure volunteer-elderly communication, visit history, event updates, and feed content including birthdays and dream progress. Registration, matching testing, online training, and residence selection are 100% online, with intakes organized by school year (September-October and January-February). Donation processing is handled through Stripe Payments Europe Ltd, and the foundation is GDPR-compliant. The platform is integrated with Uber (Seniors mobility product) and is hosted in 300+ care residences across 50+ Spanish cities belonging to groups including DomusVi, Amavir, ORPEA, Caser Residencial, Albertia, Emera, and Bouco.

The revenue model is donation-based and explicitly independent of public subsidies. The foundation is funded by more than 4,300 individual ambassadors ('Embajadores') making recurring contributions, supplemented by CSR donations and corporate volunteering programs from 150+ companies (Caixabank, EY, Santalucía, Nationale Nederlanden, Google, Uber, ElPozo, Civitatis, BlackRock, McAfee, Siemens Healthineers, Línea Directa, AXA, and others). Reported cost allocation is 90% to direct elderly activities, 8% to operations, and 2% to banking commissions. Services are free for elderly beneficiaries and volunteers. Cumulative operational metrics include 24,326 registered volunteers, 13,988 elders adopted, and 76,013 hours of companionship.

Name

Adopta Un Abuelo

Legal name

FUNDACIÓN ADOPTA UN ABUELO

Website

https://adoptaunabuelo.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Adopta Un Abuelo is a Spanish nonprofit foundation that runs an intergenerational companionship platform, matching young volunteers with elderly individuals to combat loneliness across 300+ care residences in Spain, funded by individual ambassadors and 150+ corporate partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Intergenerational Companionship Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Elder Services & Aging Support (BPAGAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Companionship & Social Engagement Visits (HSABAAAA)

Keywords

• Intergenerational companionship programs
• Volunteer matching services
• Elderly loneliness prevention
• Corporate social responsibility
• Social impact foundation

Headquarters

HQ city

Madrid

HQ country

Spain

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations (Embajadores): Private funding from individuals called 'embajadores' (ambassadors) who make regular economic contributions. Over 4,300 ambassadors support the foundation. The 90% of donations go directly to activities with elderly, 8% to operational costs, and 2% to banking commissions.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility Partnerships: Private funding from companies collaborating in CSR and corporate volunteering. Companies like Caixabank, EY, Santalucía, Nationale Nederlanden, and others support the foundation through volunteering programs and donations. The foundation does not accept public subsidies to maintain independence.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Adopta Un Abuelo operates an intergenerational companionship program that matches young volunteers (minimum 14 years old) with elderly individuals living in care residences or alone at home for weekly visits of approximately 1.5 hours over a minimum six-month commitment. Services are delivered through a mobile application (iOS/Android) and web platform enabling online registration, matching tests, training, residence selection, and direct communication, supplemented by dreams fulfillment, birthday celebrations, and corporate volunteering programs.

Product overview

Adopta Un Abuelo is a digital platform and social organization that connects young volunteers with elderly people to combat loneliness and social isolation. The core offering is the Volunteer Program, which matches volunteers with elders for regular in-person or phone visits. The platform operates several interconnected programs: the main Volunteer Program for companionship, the Dreams Program for fulfilling elder wishes, and the Birthday Celebrations program for monthly parties. Additional modules include Corporate Volunteering for business partnerships, the Ambassador Donation Program for financial support, Residences and Colegios (school) partnership programs, and a Solidarity Weddings initiative. The organization also provides a mobile application (iOS/Android) for volunteer management, call functionality, and activity tracking. All services are provided free of charge to elderly participants, funded through private donations and corporate partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Voluntariado (Volunteer Program) Core intergenerational companionship program that matches young volunteers (minimum 14 years old) with elderly people in care residences or their homes. Volunteers commit to weekly visits of approximately 1.5 hours for a minimum of six months.
• Sueños (Dreams Program)

Quantifiable outcome

• 15,801 hours of companionship provided in 2025 alone
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ElPozocoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 November 2025Launched 'Un trato ingrato' campaign against ageism. ElPozo ExtraTiernos donated portion of sales during November to foundation. Campaign featured social experiment by actor Jordi Sánchez showing discriminatory attitudes toward elderly.
• GooglecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 June 2025Google volunteers conducted lettering workshop at DomusVi Chamartín residence. Technology company engaging employees in intergeneracional corporate volunteering activities.
• JG FitnessminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2025Fitness company engaged in 'Las Chicas de Oro' intergeneracional fitness activities with elderly participants.
• EpisodeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 June 2025Company participating in foundation's corporate volunteering programs with team activities.
• Línea DirectacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 June 2025Insurance company won foundation's 'Compromiso con la sostenibilidad' award. Organized 'best office plan' volunteer activity. Part of corporate partner network.
• AXAminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 June 2025Insurance company engaged in showcooking intergeneracional activities with foundation's elderly and volunteers.
• McAfeeminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 28 May 2025Cybersecurity company engaged in intergeneracional workshop activities with foundation's elderly participants.
• Siemens HealthineersminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 25 May 2025Healthcare technology company employees participated in volunteering activities and dining experiences with elderly program participants.
• Nationale NederlandencoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2024Corporate partner for corporate volunteering programs. Organized 'Paint & Chocolate' events in San Sebastián de los Reyes for elderly. Supports Día Internacional de las Personas Mayores celebrations.
• BlackRockminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 June 2024Investment management firm employees participated in corporate volunteering creative workshop activities with elderly.
• RefruitingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 5 February 2024Fruit basket delivery company providing weekly fresh fruit to foundation team. Company also supports social actions including employing people with functional diversity.
• FalconsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 April 2023Esports club of footballer César Azpilicueta organized 12-hour Twitch stream benefiting foundation. Grandparents tried VR video games. All streaming proceeds donated to support more elderly.
• UbercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Seniors mobility functionality making it easier for elderly to use ride-sharing services. Grandmothers Alejandra (88) and Teresa (102) featured in launch campaign. Ongoing corporate volunteering collaboration.
• CaixabankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor corporate partner supporting foundation's mission to combat elderly loneliness. Part of 150+ company network committed to corporate social responsibility and intergenerational programs.
• EYcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional services firm engaged in corporate volunteering programs with foundation. Part of corporate partner network supporting elderly companionship initiatives.
• SantalucíacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInsurance company committed to corporate social responsibility through partnership with foundation. Part of 150+ corporate partner network.
• CESCEminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCredit insurance company engaged in corporate volunteering and social responsibility programs with foundation.
• CivitatiscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerTravel experiences company. Nina, 91, awarded 'Premio Civitatis' for fulfilling dream of flying to Oktoberfest. Company supports dream fulfillment programs for elderly.
• DomusVicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor care residence group with multiple locations (DomusVi Chamartín, DomusVi Arturo Soria) hosting volunteer programs, workshops, and corporate volunteering activities with Google and other partners.
• AmavircoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCare residence group with multiple locations (Amavir Alcalá de Henares, Amavir Arganzuela, Amavir El Balconcillo) hosting volunteer programs, activities, and participating in foundation awards.
• ORPEAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCare residence group with locations (ORPEA La Moraleja, ORPEA Torrelodones) hosting volunteer programs with therapists recognized in foundation awards for intergeneracional work.
• Caser ResidencialcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCare residence group (Caser Residencial La Moraleja) hosting volunteer programs with psychologist Lucía recognized for intergeneracional work.
• Albertia MirasierracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCare residence hosting volunteer programs with occupational therapist Uracles recognized in foundation awards.
• EmeracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCare residence group with Emera Boadilla del Monte location hosting multiple volunteer-elderly matches and relationship stories.
• BoucocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCare residence group (Bouco Torrelodones, Bouco Las Rozas) hosting volunteer programs and birthday celebrations.
• AmazonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology company logo displayed in corporate partners section of website. Extent of partnership not detailed.
• HPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology company logo displayed in corporate partners section. Extent of partnership not detailed.
• Leroy MerlinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRetail company logo displayed in corporate partners section. Extent of partnership not detailed.
• SacyrminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConstruction and services company logo displayed in corporate partners section. Extent of partnership not detailed.
• Fundación TelefónicacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAwarded 'Mejor Reto Solidario' to foundation. 'La Voz de la Experiencia' initiative connected elderly with young people. Helped more than 1,470,000 people through joint efforts.
• QuirónsaludcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAwarded 'Cada Paso Cuenta' prize to foundation. Hospital staff accumulated 6 million steps and donated prize to foundation. More than 3,500 grandparents adopted and 6,200 volunteers supported through hospital network.
• Fundación MTPcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAwarded 'Compromiso de Calidad con la Sociedad' prize. Foundation helps at-risk groups access digital world safely, reducing digital divide among elderly.
• Argal AlimentacióncoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAwarded Beca Argal recognizing foundation among 2,800 candidates for commitment to improving quality of life of elderly in unwanted loneliness situations.

Scale indicators19 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Amigos de los Mayores: Spanish nonprofit foundation with an essentially identical mission: volunteer-based accompaniment of elderly people at risk of loneliness across Spain. Closest direct peer in geography, mission, and operating model, though it has a longer history and a less technology-led approach.
• Grandes Amigos Foundation: Madrid-based Spanish nonprofit that pairs volunteers with lonely elderly people, with very similar volunteer-accompaniment model and overlapping care-residence partner network. Direct, mission-aligned peer operating in the same Spanish geography.
• Papa (Papa Pals): US-based platform that connects older adults with companion 'Pals' for companionship, transportation and support. Closest non-Spanish analog of the on-demand elder companion model, though operating as a paid marketplace rather than donation-funded. Demonstrates the venture-scale potential of the category Adopta Un Abuelo occupies.
• Cyber-Seniors: Nonprofit intergenerational tech training and digital-inclusion program that uses younger volunteers to teach seniors tech skills, directly addressing the digital divide Adopta Un Abuelo also cites as a problem. Comparable model and mission, more focused on digital literacy than companionship.

Emerging players

• Elder Helpers: Volunteer-based nonprofit connecting helpers with seniors for phone calls, visits, and errands. Smaller scale, similar volunteer-elderly matching approach in North America.
• Wish of a Lifetime Foundation (from AARP): US nonprofit that fulfills dreams and wishes of older adults. Directly mirrors the 'Sueños' program in Adopta Un Abuelo's product suite. Smaller scope, similar mission.

Regional players

• Fundación Edad Dorada / Lares: Spanish federation of care residences and senior services providers. Indirect peer: partner networks and supply-side comparable to the 300+ residences Adopta Un Abuelo works with; not a volunteer platform itself.

Others

• Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS): The canonical 'mentorship' analog pairing youth with adult volunteers. Comparable volunteer-recruitment, training, and matching operational model, but focused on at-risk youth rather than the elderly; a useful external benchmark for volunteer-program scaling.
• Meals on Wheels America: Large US nonprofit addressing elderly isolation and nutrition through home visits; comparable in building sustainable volunteer-led programs targeting isolated elderly, including in care settings.

Broad incumbents

• AARP Foundation: Large US nonprofit serving people 50+ with programs on loneliness, food insecurity, and digital inclusion. Compares on broad mission overlap but operates on a vastly larger scale, with different funding and policy orientation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@adoptaunabuelo
• Facebookfacebook.com/adoptaunabuelo
• Instagraminstagram.com/adopta1abuelo
• TikToktiktok.com/@adoptaunabuelo
• Xx.com/adoptaunabuelo

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Adopta Un Abuelo