EDE Fundazioa

What EDE Fundazioa is

EDE Fundazioa is a social organization headquartered in Bilbao that has worked since 1976 in social services, knowledge development, inclusive employment and the social economy. Its main field is the Basque Country's social nonprofit sector, while its work in Madrid is conducted through Fundación Luz Casanova.

The foundation is a Europe Direct host structure in Bizkaia and reports a community of more than 500 employees, collaborators and volunteers.

Areas of activity

• Workforce training, including Lanbide courses tied to professional certificates and programs in fields with strong hiring demand. Lanbide is the Basque public employment service.
• Escuela de Tiempo Libre courses for youth-activity leaders and directors, with enrollment open for the 2026–2027 academic year
• Consulting and advisory services for strengthening the social nonprofit sector
• Social research, including the Barómetro del Tercer Sector Social de Euskadi
• Reception and social-inclusion programs for migrants and people in vulnerable circumstances
• Energy-rehabilitation programs through Opengela neighborhood offices in 28 vulnerable Basque communities
• Educational initiatives and community-development projects

Publications and selected projects

The foundation publishes an annual report. Its 2025 edition covers social policy, organizational and community development, support for people experiencing exclusion and employability work. Recent research also considers artificial intelligence in social-service models and leadership transition within social organizations.

Offices and contact

• Bilbao: Manuel Allende 10, 48010; +34 944 009 999; ede@edefundazioa.org
• San Sebastián: Paseo Morlans 16, 20009; +34 943 043 427; gipuzkoa@edefundazioa.org
• Madrid, Fundación Luz Casanova: Calle José Marañón 15, 28010; +34 914 454 169; info@proyectosluzcasanova.org

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m.

EDE's work spans training, research and direct social programs, so the appropriate office and application process depend on whether a visitor is seeking a course, institutional consulting or support through a community initiative.