€4.7 Million for Social Action in 2026
The Sagrada Família has allocated approximately €4.7 million to fund 163 social projects during 2026, according to a statement released by the basilica on Monday 9th November. The funding, managed through its Social Action Fund (Fons d’Acció Social – FAS), supports non-profit organisations working with vulnerable populations across the Archdiocese of Barcelona, the Diocese of Terrassa, and the Diocese of Sant Feliu de Llobregat. This year’s allocation marks a 22.6% increase from 2025, when 133 projects received aid, reflecting an expansion of the fund’s reach. The initiative is part of the fourth call for grants under the FAS, which prioritises direct action to address social vulnerability and basic needs.
Focus on Poverty, Health and Youth
The largest share of funding supports 52 projects tackling poverty and social exclusion. These include food aid, housing support, and community-based assistance. Another 39 projects focus on health and well-being, particularly for people with mental health conditions or disabilities. Among the beneficiaries are Fundació Malalts Mentals de Catalunya, which will run a community support project, and Obertament, receiving funds for empowerment and social integration initiatives for individuals with mental disorders. Support for children, adolescents, and young people accounts for 29 projects. Càritas Diocesana de Barcelona will use its grant for an educational reinforcement programme targeting at-risk youth. Twenty-five projects are dedicated to elderly care, including efforts to combat loneliness. The Fundació Ajuda i Esperança will strengthen its Telèfon de l’Esperança (Hope Phone) service, while the Fundació Privada Amics de la Gent Gran will implement a community bonding programme to counter isolation and support older residents during heatwaves.
Local and Metropolitan Reach
The fund extends beyond central Barcelona to municipalities including Badalona and Sabadell. Initiatives in neighbourhoods such as El Raval and the area surrounding the basilica itself are included. In the Raval, Associació Educativa Integral del Raval will support adolescents at risk of exclusion, while Metzineres receives funding for basic needs and community work. The Associació Xarxa Dos Deu per la Millora del Barri de la Sagrada Família will lead a community initiative addressing local residents’ essential needs. Other selected projects include soup kitchens, residential care resources, and programmes promoting autonomy for people experiencing homelessness. The Centre d’Acollida Assís will deliver comprehensive care for homeless individuals. The Hospital Sant Joan de Déu is also a recipient, with funding allocated for a home care project supporting children with complex chronic illnesses and their families.
Support for Migrants and Refugees
Eighteen projects specifically target migrants and refugees, providing reception services, socio-health care, and labour inclusion programmes. The fund’s geographic scope ensures support reaches across the metropolitan region, reinforcing social cohesion in diverse communities. Full details of the Social Action Fund, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, are available on the Sagrada Família’s official website.
Sources: El Periódico, sagradafamilia.org.
