CISV Italia

What CISV Italia does

CISV Italia APS is an Italian non-profit association (Associazione di Promozione Sociale) headquartered in Modena, operating as the Italian national chapter of CISV International, a global youth peace education organization founded in 1951. The organization delivers nine educational programs centered on intercultural learning, including international summer villages (Village, Step Up), family exchanges (Interchange), thematic camps (Horizon Camp, Seminar Camp, Youth Meeting), volunteer-based community projects (Mosaic, International People's Project), and a Junior Counsellor leadership track. It serves three core segments: children aged 11-17 (program participants), youth aged 15-25 (Junior Branch members running peer-led initiatives), and adult volunteers/families who staff camps, host exchanges, and govern local sections. All programs operate on a "learning by doing" methodology structured around four educational areas, with smartphone-free immersive experiences as a defining design choice.

The organization runs through a decentralized network of 14 local sections across Italy, coordinated by an elected National Council on three-year terms, and connects Italian participants to delegations from 68 countries via CISV International. Revenue mechanics combine individual membership fees, program participation fees (with need-based scholarships), the Italian 5x1000 tax designation, direct donations and annual auctions, and a UniCredit Foundation gift-matching program. Strategic partnerships with Like-Minded Organizations (Banco Alimentare, Amnesty International, Libera, Progetto Itaca, Radio Magica, ControNarrazioni, Climate Fresk, Intercultura, CNR research institutes, and Trenitalia) extend program curriculum into mental health, anti-mafia volunteering, climate education, and youth mobility. Annual flagship events include the Raduno di Primavera in Lignano Sabbiadoro and a national Colletta Alimentare mobilization (435 volunteers in 2024).

Name

CISV Italia

Legal name

CISV Italia APS

Website

https://it.cisv.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

CISV Italia APS is an Italian non-profit association delivering nine intercultural peace education programs for children, youth (15-25), and adult volunteers across 14 local sections, connecting Italian participants to a global network spanning 68 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Non-formal Youth Education and Peace Programs

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Cultural Adjustment & Integration Services (intercultural programs, community connection) (EDALANAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pre-Departure Orientation, Re-Entry & Intercultural Training for Study Abroad (EDAIAAAH), Peer Mentorship, Buddy & Host-Family Matching Programs (EDAIAKAD), Cultural, Identity & Inclusion Programs (EDALAHAF)

Keywords

• Youth peace education
• Intercultural exchange programs
• Non-formal education services
• International summer camps
• Volunteer youth programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Modena, Modena

HQ country

Italy

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. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees from individual members (soci) across 14 Italian sections. Members include children, youth (Junior Branch), and adult volunteers.
2. Program Participation Fees: Fees charged to participants for various programs including camps, exchanges, and educational activities. Need-based scholarships and grants are available.
3. 5x1000 Donations: Italian tax designation mechanism allowing taxpayers to direct 0.5% of their income tax to CISV Italia. Significant source of charitable funding.
4. General Donations and Fundraising: Direct donations from members, families, and supporters. Includes annual fundraising activities like the CISV auction held during national gatherings.
5. Gift Matching Program: Partnership with UniCredit Foundation for donation matching (GMP) to amplify donor contributions.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

CISV Italia is a non-profit association that delivers nine structured non-formal educational programs (international camps, family exchanges, youth meetings, and community projects) centered on intercultural understanding and peace education for children, teenagers, and adult volunteers. Members participate through 14 local Italian sections and connect with peers from 68+ countries via the CISV International network, with all programs built on a learning-by-doing methodology across four core educational areas.

Product overview

CISV Italia is a non-profit youth education association offering a comprehensive portfolio of international and national programs centered on peace education and intercultural understanding. The core offering consists of 9 educational programs including Village, Interchange, Youth Meeting, Step Up, Seminar Camp, Mosaic, International People's Project (IPP), Horizon Camp, and Junior Counsellor programs. These are supplemented by the Junior Branch (JB) for members aged 15-25, seasonal national gatherings (Raduno di Primavera), the Forum discussion format, and the CISV Live streaming initiative. All programs follow the 'learning by doing' educational approach across four core educational areas and operate in over 70 countries globally, with 14 sections throughout Italy.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Villaggio (Village) International summer village camp for children aged 11-12 that brings together participants from multiple countries for multicultural living and learning experiences focused on peace education.
• Interchange Cultural exchange program that enables participants to experience life with host families in another country, fostering intercultural understanding and language skills.
• Youth Meeting International meeting program for youth aged 12-15 focused on intercultural dialogue and peace education activities across delegations.
• Step Up 23-day international camp for 14-year-olds involving delegations from over 70 countries, where participants organize their own educational activities to develop leadership skills.
• Seminar Camp International camp program for older youth and young adults focused on in-depth discussions and activities around peace education themes.
• Mosaic Local community project program in which participants engage in volunteer work and social initiatives within their own communities while staying connected to CISV's global mission.
• International People's Project (IPP) International volunteer project bringing together participants from multiple countries to work on community-focused initiatives that combine cultural exchange with meaningful social impact.
• Horizon Camp National educational camp for 16-17 year olds focused on specific peace education themes, run in collaboration with local partner organizations and including volunteer activities for the community.
• Junior Counsellor (JC) Leadership development program for young people aged 18+ who serve as junior counselors in camps to gain experience in youth facilitation and organizational skills.
• Junior Branch (JB) Youth membership section for members aged 15-25 that provides a space for young people to develop projects, participate in decision-making, and engage in peer-led activities within the CISV community.
• Horizon Plus Extended volunteer camp for JB members (18+) that combines Horizon-style activities with autonomous JB experiences, held during Easter holidays in collaboration with partner organizations.
• Raduno di Primavera (Spring Assembly) Annual national gathering held in Lignano Sabbiadoro that brings together CISV Italy members for training, institutional assembly, and preparation for summer camps.
• Forum Participatory discussion format replacing the traditional Round Table at the Spring Gathering, designed to enhance interaction between Junior Branch members (ages 15-25) and adults on CISV-related themes.
• CISV Live Online live streaming initiative featuring interviews, discussions, and educational content broadcast via YouTube that showcases LMO partnerships and CISV activities.

Quantifiable outcome

• Participants develop leadership skills and increased global awareness
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Progetto ItacacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 December 2025Formalized convention signed at end of 2025 for mental health education and support. Progetto Itaca provides training and support to CISV Italia, sections, and Junior Branch on mental health awareness. First national activity will be an Ending the Silence presentation for parents at the May 2026 gathering. Progetto Itaca operates 18 locations with 800+ volunteers reaching 22,000 people annually in mental health support.
• TrenitaliaminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 7 April 2024Convention providing 30% discount on national routes (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca, Intercity, Intercity Notte) for CISV members under 26. Additional group discounts available for 10+ passengers. Voucher system required through CISV sections.
• Banco AlimentarecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic alliance for food collection and fighting poverty. CISV Italia mobilizes volunteers for the annual National Food Collection Day (Giornata Nazionale della Colletta Alimentare). Partnership formalized through convention based on shared principles of sharing, gratuitousness, and solidarity.
• LiberacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Horizon Camps involving voluntary work on territory. Libera provides their program 'E!State Liberi!' training for CISV participants. CISV works with Libera for anti-mafia and social commitment activities. Libera made their Arte33 facility in Naples available for Horizon Plus 2024.
• Radio MagicaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst Italian digital non-profit offering accessible music, audio, and video content for children. Partnership based on shared value of listening as an inclusive competence and human right. Collaboration through CISV Live interviews and cross-promotion.
• ControNarrazioniminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch and blog organization studying discrimination in Italy, covering LGBTQIAP+ rights, human rights, and contrast to hatred. Partnership addresses shared goals in human rights education and inclusion.
• Amnesty InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational organization fighting injustice and defending human rights globally. Participated in Tavola Rotonda 2024 discussion on peace education alongside CISV Italia and Non Dalla Guerra.
• Non Dalla GuerracoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndependent youth organization organizing volunteering camps in the Middle East and promoting school awareness on war and migration topics. Participated in Tavola Rotonda 2024 discussion on peace education.
• Climate FreskminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational NGO created in December 2018 providing collaborative climate science workshops. Climate Fresk facilitators conducted workshops at Raduno di Primavera 2025 to educate on climate change causes and effects.
• InterculturaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpenings for CISV members to host international students through Intercultura programs. Shared commitment to intercultural exchange and international understanding.
• CNR IRISSminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational Research Council institute collaborating on 'Dialogues on Peace Education' project with UL Napoli and CISV Italia.
• CNR DSU - Laboratorio Scienza e Dialogo per la PaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCNR Laboratory for Science and Peace Dialogue collaborating on the 'Dialogues on Peace Education' project, providing interdisciplinary approaches to conflict and peace education.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• AIESEC: AIESEC is a global youth-run non-profit running international volunteer exchanges and leadership development programs for 18-30 year olds in 100+ countries. Operates a closely analogous model — youth-led, experiential learning, cross-cultural exchange — and competes for the same Junior Branch (15-25) cohort in Italy with overlapping leadership-development framing.
• AFS Intercultural Programs: AFS is the closest direct peer — a global non-profit running intercultural exchange programs for teens and young adults, with national chapters operating camps and host-family exchanges in dozens of countries. Operates the same core product (international summer villages/camps for youth aged 11-18) under the same volunteer-based model with similar peer-to-peer education methodology.
• Experiment in International Living (World Learning): The Experiment is a US-based direct peer operating intercultural summer programs for high-school students, run as part of World Learning. Closely comparable to CISV's Village, Step Up and Seminar Camp programs in target age (14-18), experiential learning methodology, and international cohort composition, serving the same family demographic.
• Intercultura (Italian partner/adjacent): Intercultura is an Italian non-profit affiliated with AFS running international student exchange programs from Italy. Already a formal CISV partnership (cross-promotion of host-family opportunities), this is the closest geographic peer competing for the same Italian outbound student population and host families.
• Youth For Understanding (YFU): YFU is a direct peer — a global non-profit operating international student exchange programs for high-school-age youth across 60+ countries, with national chapters running outbound and inbound programs. Targets a similar demographic and product (international immersion, host families, peace and intercultural learning outcomes) competing head-to-head with CISV for participants and host families.

Broad incumbents

• Peace Direct: Peace Direct is an international non-profit focused on local peace-building and conflict prevention, partnering with grassroots organizations globally. Comparable on the peace-education mission that anchors CISV's identity, but operates as a funder/incubator rather than a direct youth-camp provider, competing for the same donor and grant funding pool for peace education.
• Erasmus Student Network (ESN): ESN is the European umbrella network supporting Erasmus+ exchange students across 40+ countries with local sections at universities. Comparable on the intercultural-exchange mission and the local-section model mirroring CISV's 14-Italian-section structure, but operates at the university-age level with public-program funding rather than volunteer-driven camp programming.
• Rotary Youth Exchange: Rotary International runs one of the largest youth exchange programs globally through Rotary clubs. Comparable on product (international youth exchange for high-school-age students) but broader: Rotary offers exchange as one of many service programs, not as its central identity, and operates through local club chapters rather than dedicated youth-education infrastructure.

Others

• Scienza e Pace / Centro Studi Sereno Regis: Italian peace-education research and advocacy center based in Turin working on nonviolence education and conflict transformation in the Italian civil-society ecosystem. Comparable thematically as part of the Italian peace-education movement, indirectly competing for grant funding, partnerships, and visibility in the same Italian third-sector space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cisv_italia
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCPVX1x_oSRtLK9Qhj0rkVBQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/cisvitalia
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cisv-italia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about CISV Italia