About us
Friends of FAI is an American nonprofit organization whose mission is to foster in the United States a deeper appreciation of and support for the preservation of buildings and properties of architectural and environmental significance located in the Republic of Italy. Friends of FAI recognizes the artistic, architectural, historical and environmental heritage of Italy as an international resource of priceless value.
Friends of FAI supports the programs and activities of FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano), an extraordinary organization that restores and takes care of special places throughout Italy so that present and future generations from all over the world may enjoy a priceless legacy. We are proud of our close association with such an important and impactful organization
Friends of FAI organizes numerous events, including conferences, seminars, exhibitions, and concerts in the United States, and tours in Italy, to spread understanding of and appreciation for Italian culture.
Friends of FAI invites Americans to visit Italy and discover the precious treasurers rescued by FAI.
Our mission
Our mission is to foster a deeper appreciation and support for the preservation of Italian cultural and historical heritage. One way that Friends of FAI meets its cultural and educational objectives is through its support of FAI- Fondo Ambiente Italiano, in its efforts to restore, preserve and open to the public important Italian monuments and properties.
Friends of FAI supporters have provided over $5 million to protect, preserve, and enhance Italian properties and conduct educational outreach activities for people around the globe.
Friends of FAI organizes unique events, conferences and trips for those who wish to help FAI achieve its mission. It also provides its members with advanced information so that they can participate in FAI’s activities on a priority basis. Members of Friends of FAI are able to access the very best of what Italy’s culture and art have to offer through the many personal contacts and sources that are available to FAI.
Friends of FAI has organized many special trips for its members which have included visits to: Northern Italy, Sicily, a tour of FAI’s properties, Rome, a Spring tour of Veneto, a tour of Parma and Piacenza, a tour of Genoa and the Portofino Riviera, Naples and Amalfi Coast, a tour of Basilicata a Southern Apulia, and a visit to Turin and the Piedmont’s castles and palazzos.
Every year conferences, concerts and theatre performances with major Italian artists are organized in the United States to promote FAI and Italy’s vast cultural heritage.
Our supporters
Support for Italy is more important than ever during these challenging and uncertain times.
Supporters will see firsthand how their philanthropy has a positive impact not only on Italy, but on citizens around the world who will benefit from having a greater understanding of its culture and heritage.
Join us in:
- increasing global understanding of the beauty, art, and culture of Italy
- dramatically expanding FAI’s youth education opportunities to inform this generation and future generations utilizing enhanced programs, workshops, and fellowships
- significantly enhancing FAI’s restoration and conservation programs at notable properties throughout Italy
Board members
Friends of FAI
Bona de’ Frescobaldi* – International Chairwoman
Maria Manetti Shrem – Chairwoman of Balbianello Circle
Board of advisory trustees
Lynn de Rothschild – Chairwoman
Giorgio Armani
Anna Bulgari
Laura Casalis
Carla Comelli
Chiara Ferragamo
Audrey Gruss
Gail Hilson
Joan Hotchkis
Maria Manetti Shrem
Ann Nitze
Paolo and Henrietta Pellegrini
Marilyn Perry*
Giorgio Poggiani*
Roberta Ritter*
Nancy Rubin
*Founders
Board of directors
James M. Carolan – President
Sharleen Cooper Cohen – Vice President
Laurel Beebe Barrack
Enrico Bonetti
Celine Crosa di Vergagni
Chiara DeRege
Michele Eddie
Davide Usai
A word about FAI Italy
FAI – Fondo Ambiente Italiano (the National Trust for Italy) is a non-profit foundation that operates thanks to the support of individuals, companies and institutions. Since its founding in 1975, FAI has drawn inspiration from the National Trust for England, Wales & Northern Ireland, and is affiliated with INTO – the International National Trusts Organisation.
FAI, with the contribution of everyone:
takes care of special places in Italy for the benefit of present and future generations promotes education, appreciation, awareness and enjoyment of the Nation’s environmental, natural, historic and artistic heritage monitors the protection of Italy’s natural and cultural assets, in the spirit of article 9 of the Italian Constitution (The Italian Republic promotes the development of culture and of scientific and technical research. It protects the landscape and the historical and artistic heritage of the Nation)
FAI & FRIENDS OF FAI
EXIST thanks to the generosity of our members and other donors, both corporate and individual, in Italy and around the world.
ACCEPT endowments and bequests in order to pursue our stated fundamental objectives.
ASK the public to join us, to help recruit new members, and to spread the word about the work we are doing and to help us to continue to do that work through generous contributions.
FAI invites the public to visit our properties; part of our mission is to acquaint the public with these beautiful landmarks.