Smile House Fondazione Ets

What Smile House Fondazione Ets does

Smile House Fondazione ETS is an Italian nonprofit foundation (Ente del Terzo Settore, Codice Fiscale 97175550587), founded in 2000 and headquartered in Rome, that provides free multidisciplinary clinical care for children and young adults born with cranio-maxillo-facial malformations, including cleft lip and palate (labiopalatoschisi), craniosynostosis, Crouzon/Apert/Pfeiffer syndromes, and branchial arch syndromes. The foundation serves approximately 1 in 800 Italian newborns affected by facial malformations (Eurocat 2017-2019 data) and has treated over 100,000 patients across 25 years, capturing 65% of Italian cleft care cases in 2023. Its primary beneficiary segments are pediatric patients and their families; secondary stakeholders include corporate partners and individual donors.

The foundation operates a hub-and-spoke national network of 8 Smile House Centers embedded within Italian NHS hospitals: 4 Hubs (Roma-San Filippo Neri, Vicenza-San Bortolo, Pisa, Monza-IRCCS San Gerardo) and 4 Spokes (Cagliari, Taranto, Ancona, Catania). Care is delivered through a weekend clinic surgical model that concentrates specialist volunteer activity into Friday intake, Saturday surgeries, and Sunday discharges. The clinical pathway spans prenatal diagnosis, neonatology, primary and secondary surgery, orthodontics, speech therapy, ENT, psychology, and orthognathic surgery, coordinated through multidisciplinary teams and formalized by a Protocol of Understanding with the Italian Ministry of Health (first signed 2008, renewed 2022). Two hubs (Vicenza, Monza) participate in the European Reference Network (ERN CRANIO), and the foundation is affiliated with EACMFS through the MAX TRAIN international training platform, with active agreements in India, Pakistan, and Colombia.

The foundation is funded through a diversified donation model: individual one-time and recurring donations (€9-€150 suggested tiers), the 5x1000 Italian tax designation, corporate partnerships (Maliparmi, Novires, Electrade, Ebano, Cellnex, Fondazione Prosolidar, among others), testamentary bequests (via the Testamento Solidale coalition since 2014), and minor revenue from solidarity gift products (Dopper water bottle €15, bamboo lunchbox €12) sold through a WooCommerce storefront. Fundraising events include the annual Wine for Smile charity auction (XVIII edition in 2023), TAOMODA partnerships, and international missions aboard the Italian Navy's aircraft carrier Cavour. The foundation holds EFQM 2-star quality certification (2024), Italian ETS registration, and is governed by a Board led by President Stefano Zapponini and Vice President/Founder Domenico Scopelliti, with Francesco Bellìca chairing the Scientific Committee.

Name

Smile House Fondazione Ets

Legal name

Smile House Fondazione ETS

Website

https://smilehousefondazione.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Smile House Fondazione ETS is an Italian nonprofit foundation providing free multidisciplinary clinical care for children and adults with craniofacial malformations through a hub-and-spoke network of 8 hospital-embedded centers across Italy, supported by donations, 5x1000 tax designations, and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Specialized Craniofacial Healthcare Services

NAICS

Offices of Dentists (621210), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Child and Youth Services (624110)

SIC

Services-Offices & Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine (8011), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Cleft & Craniofacial Orthodontics (HLABABAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hospital-Based & Medically Complex Pediatric Dentistry (HLABAGAE), Comprehensive Orthodontic Clinics (HLABABAA)

Keywords

• Craniofacial care services
• Cleft palate treatment
• Hospital care network
• Nonprofit healthcare
• Pediatric maxillofacial surgery

Headquarters

HQ city

Roma

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individual supporters via the foundation's donation platform (donaora.smilehousefondazione.org), with suggested amounts of €30, €50, €150 (one-time) or €9, €15 (monthly recurring). Donations are tax-deductible or tax-deductible under Italian nonprofit law (D. Lgs 117/2017).
2. 5x1000 Tax Designation: Italian taxpayers can designate 5x1000 of their income tax to the foundation using Codice Fiscale 97175550587. This represents a significant recurring public funding mechanism for Italian nonprofits.
3. Testamentary Bequests and Legacies: The foundation actively promotes legacy giving through wills and bequests, offering guidance on holographic, public, and secret notarized wills. The foundation has participated in the 'Testamento Solidale' campaign since 2014, part of a national nonprofit coalition promoting legacy giving culture.
4. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Companies support the foundation through: donations of goods/services, liberal contributions (erogazioni liberali), cause-related marketing (a percentage of product sales donated), event partnerships, and staff involvement programs (payroll giving, matching gift). Corporate partners include: 2 (company), Maliparmi, Novires, Electrade, Ebano, Autostrade Blu, Cellnex, FNC, Fondazione Prosolidar, and others.
5. Solidarity Gift Products: Sale of symbolic gift products (e.g., Dopper water bottle at €15, steel/bamboo lunchbox at €12) via the foundation's e-commerce shop. Proceeds support patient care programs. Products are offered with minimum suggested donation amounts.
6. Major/Philanthropic Donations: Large donations from individuals, foundations, or companies — including exclusive funding of medical equipment, specialist training, or Smile House center areas. The foundation offers bespoke engagement for these donors, including naming opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Smile House Fondazione ETS provides free multidisciplinary clinical care, training, and research for children and young adults born with cranio-maxillo-facial malformations (such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and rare craniofacial syndromes) through a national Hub-and-Spoke network of 8 Smile House Centers embedded within Italian NHS hospitals. Services span prenatal diagnosis, primary and secondary surgery, orthodontics, speech therapy, ENT, psychology, genetics, and nutritional support, complemented by international humanitarian missions and the MAX TRAIN training platform.

Product overview

Smile House Fondazione ETS is a charitable foundation providing multidisciplinary healthcare services for patients born with cranio-maxillo-facial malformations (primarily cleft lip and palate). The organization operates a network of 8 specialized Smile House Centers (4 Hub and 4 Spoke) across Italy, offering surgical treatments, orthodontic care, speech therapy, psychological support, and genetic counseling from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. Additionally, the foundation sells solidarity products (Borraccia water bottle and Lunchbox) as fundraising items. The foundation's work is supported through donations, 5x1000 tax designation, corporate partnerships, and legacy bequests.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Linea Natale: Solidarity gift products including water bottles (Borraccia) and lunch boxes (Lunchbox) sold to support the foundation's activities.

Products and services

• Borraccia (Water Bottle) Sustainable Dopper Original Pure White 450ml water bottle branded with the Smile House Fondazione ETS logo, sold as a solidarity product with a €15.00 minimum suggested donation. Proceeds support the foundation's patient care programs.
• Lunchbox Stainless steel and bamboo 600ml lunch box with included cutlery and Smile House-branded lid, sold as a solidarity product for €12.00. Proceeds support patient care programs.
• Smile House Center Multidisciplinary Care Program Free multidisciplinary care pathway for children and young adults born with cranio-maxillo-facial malformations (cleft lip/palate, craniosynostosis, Crouzon/Apert/Pfeiffer syndromes, branchial arch syndromes), delivered through 8 NHS-embedded Smile House Centers in Italy from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood, covering primary and secondary surgery, orthodontics, speech therapy, ENT, psychology, genetics, and nutritional support.

Quantifiable outcome

• 65% of children born in Italy with labiopalatoschisi treated at Smile House centers (2023 data)
• +4 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Azienda ULSS 8 Berica, VicenzacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Protocol renewed on 2 March 2023 (first signed 2018) for the Vicenza Hub Smile House center at Ospedale San Bortolo, coordinated by Dr. Ugo Baciliero. The center is recognized as a Regional Reference Center for cranio-maxillo-facial malformations and is part of the European Rare Disease Network (ERN).
• Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria PisanacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Hub Smile House center at the Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana. In operational setup phase following protocol signed on 20-21 January 2023, coordinated by Dr. Gianluca Gatti and Dr. Bruno Brevi. Will provide multidisciplinary care for patients from the Tuscany region.
• AOU Policlinico G. Rodolico – San Marco, CataniacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Spoke Smile House center at the AOU San Marco in Catania, with the protocol signed on 13 July 2023 by Director Gaetano Sirna and Vice President Domenico Scopelliti. Coordinator: Prof. Alberto Bianchi. The center established a Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Therapeutic Assistance Pathway (PDTAM) for labiopalatoschisi patients in Sicily.
• SIDO – Società Italiana di OrtodonziacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Smile House Fondazione ETS was charity partner of the 54th SIDO International Congress held in Rome (La Nuvola congress center, 12-14 October 2023). The foundation organized a dedicated scientific session on the MAX TRAIN platform, bringing together international experts in cleft surgery, orthodontics, and craniofacial care.
• Marina Militare Italiana (Italian Navy)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Partnership with the Italian Navy for medical missions aboard naval vessels. The collaboration began in 2010 following the Haiti earthquake, when Smile House surgeons performed surgeries aboard the Cavour aircraft carrier. Renewed in 2022 and expanded with addendum in June 2023. In 2024, the Cavour hosted Smile House surgical teams in Manila (Philippines) and Goa (India), treating 7 Filipino and 4 Indian patients. The partnership is also formalized through a June 2023 agreement with Segredifesa (Secretary General of Defence) for scientific-research collaboration.
• Segretariato Generale della Difesa / SegredifesacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Agreement signed on 15 June 2023 aboard nave Vulcano in Ancona between Secretary General of Defence Luciano Portolano and Vice President Domenico Scopelliti. The agreement establishes scientific-technical research collaboration in healthcare, leveraging the dual-use capability of military medical facilities for civilian benefit, with attention to vulnerable minors and underserved populations.
• Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di AnconacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Spoke Smile House center in Ancona, with the protocol renewed on 4 November 2022. Present at both the Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Umberto I – Torrette and the Salesi Pediatric Hospital. Coordinator: Dr. Giuseppe Consorti.
• Azienda Tutela Salute SardegnacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019Agreement for the Spoke Smile House center at Ospedale Santissima Trinità in Cagliari, signed 21 February 2019 (under renewal). Coordinated by Dr. Maurizio Foresti. Provides maxillofacial surgery, dentistry, orthodontics, ENT, speech therapy, neonatology, pediatrics, and genetics for patients from Sardinia.
• Regione Lazio and ASL Roma 1coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership agreement for the Rome Smile House center at Ospedale San Filippo Neri, first signed 14 March 2017 and under renewal as of 2025. The agreement integrates Smile House multidisciplinary care within the public hospital, enabling the foundation to provide surgical and ambulatory services for patients with facial malformations in the Lazio region.
• Italian Ministry of Health (Ministero della Salute)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2008The foundation operates under a Protocol of Understanding with the Italian Ministry of Health, first signed in May 2008, confirmed in 2016, and renewed in September 2022 (signed by Undersecretary Pierpaolo Sileri and Vice President Domenico Scopelliti). The protocol defines the framework for Smile House activities in Italy and abroad, including care delivery, training, and research for cranio-maxillo-facial malformations. This is the foundational institutional partnership enabling the entire Smile House national network.
• Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, MonzacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHub Smile House Center (Monza Craniofacial Center) embedded within the IRCCS San Gerardo foundation. Treats over 1,600 rare malformation patients in follow-up. Coordinated by Dr. Fabio Mazzoleni and Prof. Carlo Giussani. Active participant in the European Reference Network (ERN) for rare diseases.
• Multiple Corporate PartnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partners including: 2 (company), Maliparmi, Novires, Electrade, Ebano, Autostrade Blu, Cellnex (telecom infrastructure), FNC, Fondazione Prosolidar, and other entities. Partnerships include donations of goods/services, liberal contributions, cause-related marketing, event sponsorships, and staff involvement programs.
• European Reference Network (ERN) - CRANIOcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Vicenza and Monza Smile House centers are active members of the European Reference Network (ERN CRANIO) for rare disorders. This connects Italian specialists with European centers of excellence, facilitating knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and cross-border patient care for complex craniofacial conditions.
• Università La Sapienza di RomacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Sapienza University of Rome, referenced as a key institutional partner in the foundation's national network alongside the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Defence, and other universities.
• MAX TRAIN Platform / EACMFScoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMAX TRAIN is a humanitarian aid platform affiliated with the European Association of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery (EACMFS). Smile House Fondazione ETS uses this platform for international training fellowships and surgical missions. Active agreements are in place with partners in India (Dr. Gosla Reddy), Pakistan, and Colombia (Fundación Universitaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá — two fellowships started August 2025 with Luis Carlos Giovannetti Villegas and Nicolás Restrepo Salamanca).
• Circolo Canottieri AnieneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual venue partner for the Wine for Smile charity auction. The Circolo Canottieri Aniene in Rome hosts the event annually, which is now in its XVIII edition. The partnership provides a prestigious venue and access to the club's network of members and donors.
• Testamento Solidale (National Legacy Campaign)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe foundation participates in the 'Testamento Solidale' national campaign, a coalition of Italian nonprofits promoting legacy giving culture. Smile House joined in 2014 (the campaign celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2023) to encourage individuals to include charitable bequests in their wills.
• EACMFS (European Association of Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation collaborates with EACMFS through the MAX TRAIN platform. Smile House was Charity Partner of the 27th EACMFS Congress in Rome (September 2024), which brought over 600 delegates from 90+ countries and featured the 'Made in Italy Event' solidarity evening at Santo Spirito in Sassia.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Fondazione Telethon: Major Italian nonprofit funding research on rare genetic diseases. Comparable as a large Italian health nonprofit with institutional partnerships, though focused on research funding rather than direct clinical care delivery.
• ACPA (American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association): US professional organization for cleft and craniofacial care providers. Comparable focus on multidisciplinary care standards, but operates as a member association rather than a direct care provider.

Direct peers

• Operation Smile: International nonprofit providing free cleft lip and palate surgeries and multidisciplinary care in low- and middle-income countries. Highly comparable mission and patient population to Smile House Fondazione.
• Fondazione Operation Smile Italia Onlus: Italian affiliate of Operation Smile providing cleft surgeries and care in Italy and abroad. Most direct domestic peer in Italy, addressing the same patient population with similar mission-driven funding model.
• Smile Train: Global nonprofit focused on cleft lip and palate care. Smile Train is the most direct international peer, addressing the same patient population with a similar mission of providing free cleft surgery and comprehensive care.

Others

• Changing Faces: UK charity supporting people with visible differences including facial conditions. Comparable patient and family support mission, though focused on psychosocial support rather than surgical care.

Emerging players

• Transforming Faces: Canadian nonprofit delivering comprehensive cleft care (including speech therapy and orthodontics) in low- and middle-income countries. Comparable care model spanning the full patient journey, though smaller in scale.

Regional players

• Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA): UK-based charity supporting people affected by cleft lip and palate. Comparable patient advocacy and family support services, though focused on UK beneficiaries rather than direct clinical care delivery.
• Associazione Italiana Labiopalatoschisi: Italian patient association for cleft lip and palate families. Comparable family-focused support services for the same patient population in Italy, though focused on advocacy and information rather than clinical care.
• Noordhoff Craniofacial Foundation: Taiwan-based nonprofit dedicated to craniofacial care, originally focused on cleft lip and palate. Comparable mission and multidisciplinary model, but operating primarily in Asia rather than Europe.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/smilehousefondazioneETS/?locale=it_IT
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/smilehousefondazioneets
• Instagraminstagram.com/smilehousefondazioneets

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Smile House Fondazione Ets