Lapo Elkann
Lapo Elkann is an Italian entrepreneur, founder and chairman of the Fondazione Laps, a philanthropic organisation active in social projects. His wife, Joana Lemos Elkann, also serves as the Foundation's vice-chair. Among the initiatives promoted by the Foundation is the creation of «Case Laps», sheltered housing facilities for people in conditions of serious vulnerability, with particular attention to women who are victims of violence and their children.
The Fondazione Laps
The Fondazione Laps, chaired by Lapo Elkann, funds social initiatives including the renovation of buildings intended to shelter people in difficulty. Under the «Case Laps» model, the Foundation fully covers the costs of renovation, energy efficiency improvements and fitting out the spaces, at no expense to the public administrations involved [1][2].
The first Casa Laps, in Novara
On 4 November 2026 the city executive (Giunta) of Novara approved the resolution to redevelop a municipally owned building to become the first «Casa Laps» in Italy, a sheltered housing facility for women and children who are victims of violence [1][2]. The investment, of up to one million euros, is entirely borne by the Fondazione Laps; the building will retain its social purpose for at least fifteen years [1].
Commenting on the initiative, Lapo Elkann and Joana Lemos Elkann said that violence against women and children is «a deep wound in our society» and said they were «particularly happy» that the first Casa Laps in Italy is taking shape in Novara, Piedmont, which they described as «a land to which we are deeply attached» [2]. The project has also been followed by the Piedmont Region, which has added its own investments to combat gender-based violence, including €5 million in state funding for anti-violence centres and shelters and about €2 million for new services, with calls for proposals expected at the start of 2027 [1][2]. After approval by the city executive, the measure must pass to Novara's City Council for the formal declaration of public interest [2].
Related articles: Fondazione Laps
Sources
- ANSA Piemonte — 4 November 2026
- NovaraToday — 4 November 2026