The Foundation's purpose is to support less well-off and deserving students permanently residing in the Canton of Ticino and in the Italian-speaking valleys of the Canton of Grisons, or related from one of the Italian-speaking valleys residing in the Canton of Grisons, who are pursuing their higher education. The foundation can also grant grants to young Swiss for academic studies in Swiss universities in the disciplines of engineering, architecture, medicine or other disciplines that demonstrate quality in the studies. In addition, one or more prizes may be awarded annually to Italian-speaking Ticino or Grisons, or to people who have resided continuously for at least five years in the Canton of Ticino or in the Italian-speaking valleys of the Canton of Grisons, for academic work of recognized cultural value, or contributions for publications. The methods and criteria for the selection of candidates and for the awarding of scholarships and prizes are governed by a specific regulation issued by the Board of Trustees.