Rural Colombia faces persistent challenges stemming from historical neglect, conflict, and institu-tional fragility. Established in 2010 by Universidad de La Salle, Proyecto Utopía offers a territorially grounded model of social innovation that combines agronomic education with peacebuilding for youth from marginalized regions. In this article, we analyze Utopía’s philanthropic governance and cross-sectoral alliances. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study shows philanthropy as a strategic enabler of inclusive development. La Salle’s University Philanthropy Office has mobilized diverse actors through transparent, ethical, and participatory mechanisms, securing sustained sup-port from over 736 donors. Utopía thus exemplifies how universities can mediate in post-conflict societies, linking grassroots initiatives with institutional frameworks. It offers a replicable model of socially embedded transformation aligned with sustainable development goals and it is capable of rebuilding trust and fostering long-term rural resilience
Alberio, M., Otálora-Buitrago, A., Alberto Rendón Acevedo, J., Vergara, R. (2025). Proyecto Utopía: Colombian Initiative for Peace and the Defense of Rurality in Times of Post-Agreement. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF NONPROFIT AND SOCIAL ECONOMY RESEARCH, 16(2), 79-91 [10.29173/cjnser808].
Proyecto Utopía: Colombian Initiative for Peace and the Defense of Rurality in Times of Post-Agreement
Marco Alberio;
2025
Abstract
Rural Colombia faces persistent challenges stemming from historical neglect, conflict, and institu-tional fragility. Established in 2010 by Universidad de La Salle, Proyecto Utopía offers a territorially grounded model of social innovation that combines agronomic education with peacebuilding for youth from marginalized regions. In this article, we analyze Utopía’s philanthropic governance and cross-sectoral alliances. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study shows philanthropy as a strategic enabler of inclusive development. La Salle’s University Philanthropy Office has mobilized diverse actors through transparent, ethical, and participatory mechanisms, securing sustained sup-port from over 736 donors. Utopía thus exemplifies how universities can mediate in post-conflict societies, linking grassroots initiatives with institutional frameworks. It offers a replicable model of socially embedded transformation aligned with sustainable development goals and it is capable of rebuilding trust and fostering long-term rural resilienceI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
