Fondazione Heal

What Fondazione Heal does

Fondazione Heal is an Italian charitable foundation (ente del terzo settore) founded in 2016 by Serena Catallo and Simone De Biase following the loss of their daughter Gaia, with the mission of funding pediatric neuro-oncology research and supporting affected families. Operating from a legal headquarters in Rome and operational headquarters in Sora (Frosinone) with approximately 11 employees, the foundation directs donations, event proceeds, and corporate partnership funds toward leading Italian pediatric hospitals and research institutions including Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Policlinico Gemelli, Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, and the Universities of Milano and Bari. Cumulative research funding allocated since inception exceeds EUR 3 million across scholarships, laboratory and hospital department support, neurosurgical simulation equipment, methylation profile research, solidarity transport, and the ASTRO-NETS training project.

The foundation's core programmatic offering is the ASTRO-NETS (Astronauts for Neurosurgery Training Scheme) project, which applies aerospace methodologies — including simulation, virtual reality, and AI — to neurosurgeon education in partnership with Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, the Università degli Studi di Milano, and the Italian SME Deep Blue (an ESA partner). Operationally, the foundation runs the Trasporto Solidale service, a fleet of 10 vehicles providing free patient transport across Frosinone, Roma, Latina, and Milano provinces, which has cumulatively covered over one million kilometers and is credited with a 5.8x social impact multiplier on invested funds. The foundation also funds and deploys advanced research equipment such as the Hyperion protein-analysis platform at Bambino Gesù.

Fondazione Heal's business model is donation-driven and community-led, with revenue streams including one-time and recurring individual donations (via PayPal, IBAN bank transfer, and the Italian 5x1000 tax designation under code 15714591003), solidarity e-commerce (bomboniere, olive oil, honey, panettone), event fundraising through the annual Healiade cycling tour and Heal Trophy / Xperience / SIX DAYS Enduro motorsport events, and corporate partnerships with Banca Ifis, Uber, Moov/Flee, Como 1907, GIVOVA, and others. Distribution of services relies on direct digital channels, an owned shop storefront, and event participation rather than intermediaries. The foundation serves three primary segments: pediatric oncology patients and their families (transport and access support), the pediatric neuro-oncology research community (fellowships, equipment, training), and pediatric healthcare institutions (research and program funding), with no product pricing beyond voluntary donations and solidarity shop unit prices.

Name

Fondazione Heal

Legal name

Fondazione Heal

Website

https://progettoheal.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Fondazione Heal is an Italian non-profit foundation founded in 2016 that funds pediatric neuro-oncology research and provides free patient transport, operating through donations, events, and corporate partnerships to support leading Italian pediatric hospitals and the ASTRO-NETS neurosurgeon training program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Charitable Foundation - Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Research

NAICS

Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disease-Specific Research & Support (e.g., Cancer, Diabetes, ALS) (BPAGACAA)

Keywords

• Pediatric oncology research
• Medical research funding
• Patient transportation services
• Charity fundraising events
• Neurosurgery training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Roma

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individual supporters via PayPal, bank transfer, and the 5x1000 tax designation scheme (Tax Code: 15714591003). Recurring donor program allows monthly contributions for planned giving.
2. Online Shop Sales: Solidarity shop selling bomboniere (gift bomboniere), olive oil, honey, jams, candles, plants, Christmas panettone and pandoro products, and solidarity gift items. Revenue supports research projects.
3. Event Fundraising: Revenue from cycling events (Healiade), motorsport events (Xperience, Heal Trophy, SIX DAYS Enduro), charity galas, and initiative participation fees.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Funding and in-kind support from corporate partners including Banca Ifis, Uber, Moov/Flee, Como 1907, GIVOVA, and various motorsport sponsors for specific projects and operational support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels18 records

Core offering

Fondazione Heal is a non-profit foundation that funds pediatric neuro-oncology research and provides direct support to affected families. It finances research projects, fellowships, and advanced medical equipment (neurosurgical simulators, Hyperion protein analyzers) at leading Italian pediatric hospitals, and operates a free patient transportation service across four Italian provinces. Revenue is generated through individual donations, recurring donor programs, corporate partnerships, fundraising events (Healiade cycling tour, Heal Trophy motorsport events), and a solidarity online shop.

Product overview

Fondazione Heal operates as a charitable foundation focused on funding pediatric neuro-oncology research and supporting affected families. The organization offers a portfolio of services including the Trasporto Solidale free transportation program for patients, the Healiade cycling tour and Heal Trophy motorsport events for fundraising, Future Brain Magazine for scientific communication, and an Online Shop selling solidarity products. Core offerings are supplemented by the Donatore Ricorrente recurring donor program. Research initiatives include the ASTRO-NETS neurosurgeon training project and CAR-T therapy support at Bambino Gesù hospital.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HEALIADE: Annual solidarity cycling tour event raising funds for pediatric neuro-oncology research
• Trasporto Solidale
• ASTRO-NETS
• Future Brain
• Heal Trophy

Products and services

• Trasporto Solidale (Solidarity Transport) Free transportation service for pediatric oncology patients and their families, transporting them from home to medical facilities for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and follow-up appointments. Operates with 10 vehicles across 4 Italian provinces (Frosinone, Roma, Latina, Milano) reaching 25+ medical facilities across Lazio, Molise, Abruzzo, Umbria, and Lombardy. Over 1,000,000 km saved for patients since launch.
• Healiade Cycling Solidarity Tour Annual multi-stage cycling solidarity tour held during September (Gold September - Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) to raise funds for pediatric neuro-oncology research. Participants donate kilometers to research and contribute through event participation fees. The 2026 edition is named 'Healiade Ride For Hope' with a fundraising goal of 15,000 euros for the Pharmaceutical Workshop at Ospedale Bambino Gesù.
• Solidarity Online Shop (Shop Solidale) Online shop selling solidarity products including bomboniere (gift favors), solidarity panettone and pandoro, extra virgin olive oil, honey, preserves/jams, scented candles, and plant seedlings. All proceeds support pediatric neuro-oncology research funding.
• Donatore Ricorrente (Recurring Donor Program) Monthly recurring donor program allowing Italians to make sustained monthly contributions to support pediatric neuro-oncology research. Enables the foundation to better plan donations to research institutes and ensure continuity of funding.
• Future Brain Magazine Scientific communication magazine published by Fondazione Heal covering pediatric neuro-oncology research, space research, environment, biology, health, technology, psychology, and culture. Articles cite prestigious scientific journals.
• Heal Trophy Motorsport Events Motorsport charity events and partnerships including Xperience off-road adventure touring and Six Days Enduro, with proceeds supporting ASTRO-NETS research. Includes charity auctions such as Paddock Passes for MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix at Red Bull Ring.

Quantifiable outcome

• 407,000 EUR social impact generated from 70,000 EUR investment in solidarity transport (5.8x multiplier)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered major, minor and core.

• 4THEM / Team Honda LCRmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Charity partner organizing solidarity auction for Fondazione Heal featuring two Paddock Passes for Austrian Grand Prix of MotoMondiale 2026 (Red Bull Ring, September 18-20, 2026).
• Como 1907majorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Football club partnering with Uber and Fondazione Heal for match-day initiatives. Children from Fondazione Heal entered the field with Como players during Cagliari match to raise awareness for pediatric tumor research.
• Nazionale Italiana TikTokersmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Official Charity Partner. Italian TikTok creators using their platform to raise awareness and funds for Fondazione Heal's pediatric neuro-oncology research mission, with President De Biase as Charity Partner representative.
• GIVOVAminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Italian sportswear brand providing uniforms for Nazionale Italiana TikTokers. Demonstrates commitment to new generations and new communication languages.
• TEDxIsolaDelLiriminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Fondazione Heal granted patronage to TEDxIsolaDelLiri 2026 with theme 'Immaginare l'impossibile'. President Simone De Biase participated as speaker in 2025 edition on 'Armonie di Vita'.
• Dream Rider HubmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Organization founded by Simone De Biase managing Xperience adventure motorcycle events. Coordinates with Kerosene Racing Team, Motoclub SS33 Sempione, and Enduro in Valle Roveto for off-road events benefiting Fondazione Heal.
• Belfus S.r.l.minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Company specializing in fire extinguishers and safety equipment (Estintori Belfus) celebrating 35 years by sponsoring solidarity transport in Milan, providing vehicles for patient transportation.
• American Chamber of Commerce in ItalymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 2 December 2024Selected as charity partner for the XVIII Transatlantic Award Gala Dinner in Milano with 800 business community members from Italian and American companies. Platform to present ASTRO-NETS project to influential audience.
• Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2024Host institution for ASTRO-NETS project - Astronauts for Neurosurgery Training Scheme. The institute collaborates with Fondazione Heal, Deep Blue, and University of Milano to train neurosurgeons using aerospace methodologies including simulation, VR, and AI.
• Deep Blue (PMI Italiana)coreTechnology or Integration · 23 January 2024Italian SME selected by ESA (European Space Agency) as partner for ASTRO-NETS project. Deep Blue contributes expertise in applying aerospace training methodologies to neurosurgeon education, including VR, simulation, and AI technologies.
• Moov / FleecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Moov, through its Flee mobility brand, provides vehicles for the solidarity transport fleet. Flee launched the 'Dona con Flee' initiative donating 1 cent per km traveled to ASTRO-NETS research. Also provided 3 Mercedes vehicles to the Gemelli hospital transport service.
• Università degli Studi di Milano - Scuola di Specializzazione in NeurochirurgiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Academic partner for ASTRO-NETS project. Students from the neurosurgery specialization school are primary participants in the aerospace-based training program developed by the project.
• Università degli Studi di Bari - Dipartimento di FarmaciacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Research partner led by Professor Antonio Scilimati conducting studies on DIPG (Glioma Pontino Intrinseco Diffuso) and new therapeutic approaches including hClpP protein activator compounds.
• Kerosene Racing TeammajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Motorsport partner organizing Xperience off-road events and participating in SIX DAYS Enduro 2025 in Bergamo. Associated with Motoclub SS33 Sempione and Dream Rider Hub, with Simone De Biase as founder.
• Moto Club SS33 SempionemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Motorcycle club providing volunteers for solidarity transport in Milan province. Affiliated with FMI (Federazione Motociclistica Italiana) and CONI. Active in organizing motorsport charity events including Kustom Road, Demo Road, and 1000 Sassi.
• Associazione Nazionale Carabinieri (ANC) - Sezione LegnanomajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Volunteer organization providing free transport services for fragile, elderly, and disabled persons including healthcare facility access. Active in Milan province solidarity transport operations.
• UbercoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Mobility partner since 2022 providing free Uber Black and Taxi rides to/from hospitals for families of pediatric oncology patients in Rome. Uber serves as technology partner and supporter of the Trasporto Solidale initiative.
• Policlinico Universitario Agostino GemellicoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partner for 'Sport e patologie complesse pediatriche' project under the 'Look Beyond' initiative. Focuses on sports rehabilitation and quality of life beyond illness. Also beneficiary of solidarity transport service and recipient of vehicles from Flee.
• Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino GesùcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016Primary research partner since foundation. Recipients of major donations including Hyperion equipment (371,000 EUR), neurosurgical simulator (250,000+ EUR), methylation profile research (53,000 EUR), ATRT protocol (50,000 EUR), and CAR-T therapy development.

Scale indicators22 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Fondazione Telethon: Italian non-profit funding genetic-disease and rare-disease research; comparable as a community-led, event-driven (Telethon marathon) research grantmaker with similar donation-revenue mix and Italian territorial footprint.
• Fondazione Umberto Veronesi: Italian foundation supporting oncology and pediatric research via scholarships and grants; directly comparable mission, donor base, and Italian institutional partnership model to Fondazione Heal.
• Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation: US-based non-profit dedicated to pediatric brain tumor research and family support; directly comparable disease-specific focus, family-services component, and research-grantmaking model.
• Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation: US pediatric cancer foundation funding research grants and family support; shares the grassroots-event fundraising model, recurring-donor community, and direct-research-funding thesis with Fondazione Heal.
• Fondazione AIRC per la ricerca sul cancro: Italy's leading cancer research grantmaking foundation; directly comparable to Fondazione Heal's research-funding and donor-community model, but operates at national scale across all cancer types rather than pediatric neuro-oncology specifically.
• Fondazione Buzzi per la ricerca pediatrica: Italian pediatric research foundation funding children's hospital research grants; shares the same niche (pediatric) and grantmaking-to-hospital model, though focused on general pediatrics rather than neuro-oncology.

Emerging players

• Children's Tumor Foundation: Disease-specific research foundation for neurofibromatosis; partial overlap with Fondazione Heal's pediatric brain tumor research funding model, though focused on a different specific condition.
• Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research: US pediatric cancer research non-profit with grassroots fundraising events; comparable community-led event model and research grantmaking, but operates at smaller scale than national peers.

Regional players

• Fondazione Just Italia: Italian corporate foundation supporting pediatric research and family welfare; comparable as a small Italian grantmaking foundation for children's health, though focused on local/community projects rather than disease-specific research.

Broad incumbents

• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (ALSAC): Global leader in pediatric cancer research and treatment funding; comparable mission around pediatric oncology research support, but operates at vastly larger scale with hospital ownership model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/fondazioneheal
• Facebookfacebook.com/fondazioneheal
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/progetto-heal
• Instagraminstagram.com/progettoheal

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Fondazione Heal