The Foundation Cassa di Risparmio di Verona Vicenza Belluno e Ancona originated with the Verona Civic Bank created in May 1825, by ordinance of the Mayor, as a branch of the local Monte di Pietà founded in 1490. From 1993 to 1999 the Foundation was located on the original site in Piazzetta Monte 1.
The Verona Civic Bank acted on behalf of the local community, encouraged by the ruling Austrian government. In 1819 the first Austrian Savings Bank was set up with associated banks in Lombardia and the Veneto (Cassa di Risparmio delle Provincie Lombarde, 1823; Cassa di Risparmio di Padova, 1822; Cassa di Risparmio di Venezia, 1822; Cassa di Risparmio di Vicenza, 1822; Cassa di Risparmio della Marca Trivigiana, 1822).
Historically the banks originated from the Monti di Pietà (pawn shops) promoted by the Franciscan order, particularly by Beato Bernardino Tomitano of Feltre together with Barnaba of Terni, also in the order. Local Savings banks were created as Foundations, unlike in the Papal States where they were more numerous but took the form of associations.
In 1864 the Verona Civic Bank appointed its own Directors but it was not until 1892, as implementation of Law 5544/1888, that it began the process of becoming a fully independent bank.
In 1900 the Bank had just one branch in Verona but two years later it began to expand in the Veneto Region, with branches in Vicenza, Belluno, Feltre and Bassano del Grappa. The Mantova branch was opened in 1912. In 1926 the Bank had 73 branches in six provincial authorities, including Treviso and Rovigo.
The Legal Decree of 10 February 1927 reorganized the Savings Banks, reducing the number from 204 to 105 and prevented competing banks setting up business in the same place.
On the basis of the new regulations, the Verona Savings Bank took over the Banca del Monte di Feltre and its associated bank in Cologna Veneta.
In 1927 the Legnago Savings Bank and Vicenza Savings Bank decided to merge, creating the new Cassa di Risparmio di Verona e Vicenza, a bank covering several provincial authorities. The following year, the Bassano del Grappa Savings Bank joined the Group.
Belluno was added to the name with the new articles of association approved in 1939.
Finally, in 1989 the Ancona Savings Bank joined the Group and the current name was adopted.

Cassa di Risparmio di Legnago
This Savings Bank was founded in 1893 by the local Monte di Pietà, after 5 years as the credit department of the pawn shop.
In 1923 the bank extended its business to the whole of the Veronese lowlands and merged with the Verona Savings Bank in 1927.

Cassa di Risparmio di Vicenza
Founded in 1822 as the credit department of the local Monte di Pietà, wound up in 1838.
In 1913 the Monte di Pietà re-opened the credit department which became independent in 1924. The bank merged with the Verona Savings Bank in 1927.

Cassa di Risparmio di Bassano del Grappa
Founded in 1912 as the credit department of the local Monte di Pietà, it became independent in 1925 as the Savings Bank of Bassano del Grappa, opening branches in Marostica and Rossano Veneto.
In 1928 the bank decided to merge with the Savings Bank of Verona and Vicenza.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

Since Autumn 1999 the Foundation has been located in Palazzo Pellegrini, in via Achille Forti, 3/a.

After implementation of Law 356/1990, two independent institutions were established:

- Cariverona Banca spa, a p.l.c. operating in the credit sector;
- Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Verona Vicenza Belluno e Ancona, a Foundation pursuing social aims.

Since 22 June 2000, after approval of the articles of association, the Foundation has been a private non-profit making institute.

The Foundation originally had assets comprising the entire share capital of Cariverona Banca spa, later exchanged for shares in the banking giant Unicredito Italiano. The Foundation is dedicated to social objectives which it finances from assets, after deducting prudent running costs, in compliance with the law and its articles of association.

The Foundation provides funding for independently assessed projects on behalf of non-profit making organizations within the fields of scientific research, education, art, conservation, the environment, fine arts and the cultural heritage, healthcare and projects for the socially disadvantaged.