The International Confederation of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SSVP) has been honoured with the Fundación MAPFRE Award for Best Organization for its Social Trajectory, in recognition of its long-standing commitment to serving those most in need and fighting poverty and social exclusion for more than 192 years.
The award was presented on 8 October 2025 at the Real Casino de Madrid, in a ceremony presided over by Her Majesty Queen Sofía. Among the guests were Infanta Elena, the Minister of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Elma Saiz, Fundación MAPFRE President Antonio Huertas, and Director General Elvira Vega.
Accepting the €40,000 award on behalf of the Society, Juan Manuel B. Gómez, President General of the International Confederation, expressed gratitude to all who contribute to the Society’s mission.
“This recognition belongs to all the members, volunteers, friends and collaborators who, through their quiet and steady commitment, make it possible to carry out our projects in favour of a society that is more socially just and less dependent on charity-based assistance,” he said.
The funds will be used to strengthen the Society’s international development cooperation, respond to disasters and emergencies, and support the formation and involvement of young Vincentians through youth groups and international volunteering opportunities.
With more than two million members and volunteers in 155 countries, the SSVP continues to bring hope and practical help to those in need through 18,000 social projects and 5,000 special works, reaching nearly 30 million people worldwide.
This recognition from Fundación MAPFRE is a source of encouragement for the entire Vincentian Family, reminding us of the importance of our mission to serve with love and to uphold the dignity of every person. It also challenges us to continue passing on our spirit of friendship and service to young people, who are the future of the Society and the voice of the voiceless.