by Maximiliano Crocamo
Interview: Pierpaolo Roberti, Councilor for Local Autonomies, Security, and Immigration
The Friuli Venezia Giulia regional government has launched a €700,000 funding program for 2026 aimed at supporting associations connected to Italy’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies, firefighters and local police, reinforcing what officials describe as a long-term commitment to preserving the region’s historical memory and civic values.
The initiative was presented on Monday by Regional Councillor for Security Pierpaolo Roberti, who said the associations play a vital role not only in safeguarding historical traditions but also in passing them on to younger generations through educational and community activities.
The funding package is divided equally between two grant lines.
The first, worth €350,000, will finance cultural and educational initiatives including commemorations, public ceremonies, exhibitions, conferences and projects in schools focusing on regional and national history, as well as the role played by the armed forces and public security services.
The second €350,000 allocation is dedicated to the restoration, maintenance and construction of commemorative monuments and memorial plaques across the region, with projects to be carried out in coordination with local municipalities.
The program is open to a broad range of non-profit organizations, including veterans’ associations, organizations representing members of the armed forces and law enforcement, firefighter associations, local police associations, the National Forestry Association (A.N.FOR) and groups representing current or former members of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Regional Forestry Corps.
To qualify, organizations must have been operating for at least one year and must not have engaged in activities denying or minimizing the Holocaust, the Foibe massacres or the Istrian-Dalmatian Exodus.
The grants can cover up to 100 percent of eligible project costs. Funding under the cultural activities program ranges from up to €5,000 for annual commemorations to €20,000 for national gatherings, while grants for memorial restoration and construction may reach €65,000.
Applications must be submitted via certified email (PEC) to the regional administration. Requests for cultural and educational projects will be accepted from July 10 through September 30, while applications for memorial projects may be submitted between July 20 and September 30, 2026.
