PHILANTHROPIST
Promoter of Foundations
Luis Valls believed that the best way to channel social action was through foundations, and he encouraged those around him follow his example. His experience in establishing those funded by Banco Popular and by himself (Hispanic Foundation, Foundation for the Promotion of Foundations, Foundation for Social Care, and University Patronage) inspired and encouraged many others.
Despite not being listed as the founder, president, or patron of any of them, he actively promoted them and sought to provide resources for these foundations, which had quite varied missions and visions. Apart from the foundations associated with the Beatriz Building, where he is not formally listed in any but was involved in all, when he promoted the Foundation for the Promotion of Foundations, it was with the idea that it could serve as a service provider for other foundations, not only those directly promoted by him but also others with similar operating criteria: minimal structural expenses, no advertising, and no marketing activities.
Helping without recognition
Many people remember how useful it was to seek advice from Luis Valls when starting a foundation. In an obituary article, “Luis Valls, Successful Banker”1, journalist Juan Pablo Villanueva, then president-editor of La Gaceta, who had known Luis Valls for years and had had a good relationship with him, recalls: “I got to know this aspect of his work when, with other family members, I created the Diálogos Foundation. Luis gave me practical and shrwed advice that was very useful in that initiative.” Other foundations he helped to promote included the Culture and Assistance Foundation, the Arana Foundation, and the Madrileña Foundation.
His advice, guidance, experience and friendship with founders or with people who decided to bequeath their assets—or part of them—for social purposes, always in line with the founder’s sensitivities or preferences, were crucial. It is very possible that none of these foundations mentions Luis Valls. If anyone had suggested it, he would probably have declined the courtesy because his goal was not to be recognized but to help. However, although his name or image does not appear on them, none of these foundations would wave existed without his support.
Collaborating with other foundations
Miguel Ángel Prieto, former director of the Banco Popular’s Presidency Office, who worked closely with Luis Valls in selecting projects to support through social action, recalls that they maintained close collaboration with friendly foundations, performing specific tasks which were beyond the scope of the Beatriz. “These were concerned with welfare, education, women’s promotion, culture, or others helping students, integrating immigrants, people with disabilities, or researchers. There were also some focused on conservation and promoting heritage,” he notes.
Bibliography
(1) Article written by Juan Pablo Villanueva and published in La Gaceta de los Negocios on 02/27/2006.
