Statute
TITLE I – NAME, REGISTERED OFFICE, PURPOSES, AND ACTIVITIES
Art. 1 – Name and Registered Office The Association named “TEMPLARS TODAY WORLD – ASSOCIAZIONE DI PROMOZIONE SOCIALE” (Social Promotion Association), abbreviated as “TTW APS”, is hereby established. The Association is established and organized as a Social Promotion Association (APS) pursuant to Articles 35 et seq. of the (Italian) Legislative Decree No. 117 of 3 July 2017 (Third Sector Code). The use of the acronym “APS” is conditional upon the Association’s effective registration in the APS section of the National Single Register of the Third Sector (RUNTS); following registration, the corporate name shall be deemed automatically integrated with this designation. The Association has its registered office in Rome (Italy), Via di Porta Angelica n. 63, CAP 00193. The transfer of the registered office within the same Municipality shall be decided by the Board of Directors and shall not require an amendment to the statutes; transfer to another Municipality shall require an amendment to the statutes. The Board of Directors may establish operational offices, branches, and representations, including temporary ones, in Italy and abroad.
Art. 2 – Legal nature and regulatory framework The Association is a non-profit Third Sector Entity, established in accordance with the provisions of the (Italian) Legislative Decree No. 117 of 3 July 2017 (Third Sector Code). The Association pursues, on a non-profit basis, civic purposes, solidarity, and social utility by carrying out, exclusively or principally, activities of general interest as defined in Art. 5 of the (Italian) Third Sector Code. The Association is ecumenical in nature and promotes international cooperation. The Association relies predominantly on the volunteer activity of its members. The employment of workers, whether employees or self-employed, is permitted within the limits and according to the methods provided for by Art. 36 of the (Italian) Third Sector Code. The Association ensures its volunteers are insured against accidents and illnesses related to the activity carried out and for third-party liability, pursuant to Art. 18 of (Italian) Leg. Decree 117/2017.
Art. 3 – Purposes and activities of general interest The Association is non-profit and pursues civic purposes, solidarity, and social utility, with international development cooperation as its primary purpose, consistent with the principles of Christian social doctrine. The Association’s core inspiration is rooted in the chivalric and spiritual tradition of the Poor Fellow-Soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon (known as the Templars), reinterpreted and adapted to the current context, with particular implementation through international cooperation and global solidarity projects. The Association is inspired by the Christian values of faith, charity, justice, humility, and service, and by the Templar principles of honour, loyalty, defense of truth, protection of the weak, and promotion of peace, applying them to its associational and volunteer activities. In accordance with Art. 5 of the (Italian) Third Sector Code, the Association carries out the following activities of general interest: a) protection and enhancement of the religious and cultural heritage of the Templars and other monastic and chivalric orders. b) development cooperation and international solidarity; c) humanitarian aid in the event of natural disasters, conflicts, and humanitarian crises; d) education, instruction, and vocational training; e) protection and promotion of human, civil, and social rights; f) charitable activities in a general sense; g) cultural activities of social interest with educational and ecumenical aims. Complementary activities strictly connected to the statutory purposes are included, within the limits of Art. 6 of the (Italian) Third Sector Code. The Association may carry out activities other than those of general interest, provided they are secondary and instrumental, within the limits established by current (Italian) legislation.
Art. 4 – Ecumenical nature and beneficiaries of activities The Association welcomes men and women who identify with the traditional values of the Christian Faith and Templar principles, including, but not limited to, Catholics, Orthodox, Copts, Armenians, as well as other confessions in communion with the Holy See. It promotes ecumenical dialogue among Christian confessions, primarily through international cooperation projects and solidarity activities. The Association’s action is based on values such as fraternity, service, defense of the weakest, moral integrity, and love for truth, with a view to a constant commitment to peace, social justice, and the development of peoples. The activities of general interest are carried out for the benefit of: a) members and their families; b) third parties, with priority given to vulnerable populations in developing countries; c) the community in general for awareness and training initiatives. The Association operates in compliance with international standards on human rights, social responsibility, environmental protection, and humanitarian principles.
TITLE II – MEMBERS
Art. 5 – Categories of members and minimum number The Association is composed of the following categories of members: a) Natural persons who share the Association’s purposes; b) Non-profit associations, including social promotion associations and Third Sector Entities that share the statutory purposes; c) Honorary members, natural persons who have contributed significantly to the associational purposes. The Association shall consistently maintain a minimum number of 7 (seven) natural person members or 3 (three) social promotion associations. The Board of Directors shall verify the maintenance of these minimum requirements at least semi-annually. In the event of a reduction below the required limits, it must notify the RUNTS within 30 days. The number of members must be restored within one year, after which the Association shall lose its APS status.
Art. 6 – Members and organization into Commanderies Members of the Association are all natural persons and entities admitted according to these Statutes and registered in the Association’s register of members. Natural person members may be organized territorially into Commanderies, as internal structures lacking independent legal personality, established to foster participation in associational and volunteer activities. Each natural person member is assigned to a Commandery, indicated at the time of registration or subsequently modified, but retains in any case their status as a direct member of the Association. The nominal list of members, with any indication of the Commandery of belonging, is recorded in the Association’s register of members for legal purposes and for calculating the minimum number required by Article 35 of (Italian) Leg. Decree 117/2017. The Commanderies are not members of the Association and do not have voting rights in the General Assembly. The purposes, operating principles, and methods of establishment, organization, and coordination of the Commanderies are governed by a specific article of these Statutes and by internal regulations approved by the Board of Directors. The Association’s activities conform to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations 2030 Agenda and international standards for development cooperation. The Association may apply for recognition as a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) pursuant to the regulations of the (Italian) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, operating in accordance with the standards and requirements stipulated by Art. 26 of (Italian) Law 125/2014.
Art. 7 – Admission of members Admission is granted upon written application by the interested party (natural person or entity), with methods and requirements specified in a specific regulation issued by the Board of Directors, following verification of the requirements, including the sharing of the international cooperation purposes. The application must contain full acceptance of the Statutes and current regulations, a commitment to respect the decisions of the corporate bodies, and a willingness to participate in the Association’s volunteer activities.
For non-profit entities:
Requesting entities must submit: a) deed of incorporation and current statutes; b) proof of registration in the RUNTS or equivalent register; c) approved financial statements for the last two financial years; d) certification of non-profit status; e) documentation demonstrating the consistency of their statutory purposes with those of the Association; f) a report on activities carried out in the last two years.
The Board of Directors verifies:
compatibility of statutory purposes;
organizational and financial soundness;
absence of conflicts of interest;
compliance with the Association’s ethical principles.
Admission may be subject to specific operational conditions and the signing of collaboration agreements.
The Association “Templari Oggi APS”, registered in the RUNTS as a non-profit entity, is a member by right (ex officio) of Templars Today World, with the same rights and duties as other members of the same category.
Art. 8 – Rights and duties of members Members have the right to: a) participate in the life of the Association; b) be informed about activities and consult the corporate books; c) for entity members, participate in the administration through their representatives; d) propose initiatives and projects consistent with the associational purposes. Members have the duty to: a) comply with the Statutes and regulations; b) pay the established membership fees; c) actively collaborate in achieving the social goals; d) for entity members, maintain the admission requirements and promptly communicate any relevant statutory or organizational changes.
Art. 9 – Withdrawal and exclusion Withdrawal must be communicated in writing to the Board of Directors. In case of violations or negligence, the Board of Directors may apply the following progressive sanctions: a) first written warning, with a period of no less than 30 days for regularization; b) second written warning, with the right to reply within 15 days of receipt; c) exclusion, resolved after the second warning. Exclusion may also be resolved without warnings in the event of serious violations that irremediably compromise the associational relationship. The resolution of exclusion must be reasoned, communicated in writing, and may be appealed by the member in accordance with the law. No refund of fees or contributions paid by the withdrawn or excluded member is provided.
TITLE III – GOVERNANCE
Art. 10 – Corporate Bodies The bodies of the Association are:
the General Assembly of members;
the Board of Directors;
the President;
the Supervisory Body, if required by (Italian) law;
the potential Statutory Auditor or Board of Auditors, if required by (Italian) law.
TITLE IV – GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Art. 11 – Composition, powers, and convocation The General Assembly is composed of all members entitled to vote and is the sovereign body of the Association. The General Assembly is convened by the Board of Directors at least once a year for the approval of the financial statements and whenever the Board deems it necessary, or when a reasoned request is made by at least one-quarter of the members entitled to vote. Convocation is made by written notice, including electronic format, sent to members at least eight days before the fixed date, containing the agenda, place, date, and time of the meeting on first and second call. The General Assembly: a) approves the financial statements; b) appoints and revokes the members of the corporate bodies; c) resolves on amendments to the statutes; d) annually approves the international cooperation activity plan; e) verifies compliance with the requirement of the prevalence of volunteer activity; f) resolves on the dissolution of the association and the devolution of residual assets; g) resolves on any other matter submitted to it by the Board of Directors or provided for by law and the statutes. Participation in the Assembly by means of remote communication is permitted, provided it is possible to identify the participants, clearly perceive the interventions, and vote in real-time. Participation by written proxy is permitted. Each member may not represent more than three other members. The maximum number of cumulative proxies may be reduced by the Board of Directors, but not increased, in compliance with current (Italian) legislation.
Quorums for constitution and resolutions
On first call, the Assembly is validly constituted with the presence of an absolute majority of members entitled to vote; on second call, regardless of the number of attendees, subject to the provisions of the following paragraphs.
Resolutions are passed by a majority of those present, unless otherwise established by law or these statutes.
To amend the statutes, the presence of one-third of the members and the favourable vote of the majority of those present are required.
To resolve on the dissolution of the association and the devolution of residual assets, the favourable vote of at least three-quarters of the members is required.
Art. 12 – Voting rights Each natural person member is entitled to one vote. Each associated non-profit association is entitled to five votes. Honorary members have the right to vote in the Assembly equal to other members. The right to vote is granted to members registered in the register of members for at least three months and who are current with the payment of the membership fee, if applicable. In case of participation by proxy, the limits established in the previous article apply.
TITLE V – BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Art. 13 – Composition, term, and functioning The Board of Directors is composed of nine (9) members elected by the General Assembly from among the members entitled to vote. Members serve for a term of 5 years and are re-eligible. The following individuals cannot hold the office of director and, if elected, shall automatically forfeit it: a) those who are in one of the conditions of ineligibility provided for by (Italian) law; b) those who have received convictions for crimes involving disqualification, even temporary, from public office or the incapacity to hold executive positions in entities; c) those who have lost the membership requirements stipulated in the statutes. In the event of the cessation of a director before the end of the term, the Board may proceed with their replacement by co-optation. Directors so appointed remain in office until the next General Assembly, which may confirm them until the natural expiry of the term. The Board of Directors elects from within its members, by a majority of those present, the President and the Vice-President. It appoints a Secretary, a Treasurer, and a Referent for international cooperation. It confers, if appropriate, specific tasks to individual directors. It approves collaboration agreements with national and international cooperation bodies. It represents the Association in relations with third parties. The Board is convened by the President, or by at least two-thirds of its members, with at least seven days’ notice, containing the agenda, place, date, and time of the meeting. Convocation may also take place via telematic communication tools that guarantee proof of receipt. In case of urgency, the notice period may be reduced to three days. Meetings may also be held by audio or video conference, provided it is possible to identify the participants, follow the discussion, and intervene in real-time, and provided that the relevant minutes are drafted and signed. Meetings are valid with the presence of the majority of the members in office, and resolutions are passed by a majority of those present; in the event of a tie, the President’s vote prevails. The office of director is unpaid; reimbursement of expenses actually incurred and documented is permitted, within the limits and according to the methods established by the Board of Directors and current (Italian) legislation.
Art. 14 – Powers The Board of Directors: a) implements the resolutions of the General Assembly; b) drafts the budget and final financial statements; c) periodically verifies the maintenance of requirements by entity members; d) ratifies the visitors of the Commanderies appointed directly by the President as his delegates; e) coordinates the activities of the Commanderies; f) establishes differentiated membership fees by type of member; g) approves collaboration agreements with member entities; h) performs all acts of ordinary and extraordinary administration not reserved by law or the statutes to the General Assembly.
Art. 15 – Templar Commanderies The Templar Commanderies are internal subdivisions of the Association, lacking independent legal personality, established to foster member participation in associational and volunteer activities, both in Italy and abroad. The establishment of a Commandery is decided by the Board of Directors, which defines its name, territorial scope, and start-up operating procedures. Each Commandery is led by a Commander, appointed and confirmed by the Board of Directors, which may revoke them for just cause or failure to perform duties. The Commanderies operate in compliance with the Statutes, the associational Regulations, and the Directives of the Board of Directors. Each Commandery submits an annual report to the Board of Directors on the activities carried out, the participating members, and any management budget for local activities. In the event of serious statutory or regulatory violations or behavior incompatible with the Association’s values, the Board of Directors may apply progressive sanctions up to the suppression of the Commandery. Commanderies abroad may be registered with local authorities, including government bodies of foreign states, as representative offices or territorial sections of the Association, in accordance with the laws in force in the respective countries, without acquiring legal autonomy. In such cases, the registration must be authorized in advance by the Board of Directors and coordinated with the Presidency. Foreign registration does not confer financial autonomy, in compliance with the tax and civil regulations of the host country, subject to local legal assessment.
Art. 15 bis – Visitors of the Commanderies The President appoints and may revoke, as his delegates, visitors to coordinate the activities of the Commanderies in individual countries, ratified by the Board of Directors. Visitors may be members of the Board of Directors or specifically appointed visitors. Visitors report periodically to the President on the activity of the Commanderies in their territory. All visitors are ex officio members of a consultative body in close collaboration with and under the supervision of the President.
TITLE VI – PRESIDENT AND SUPERVISORY BODY
Art. 16 – Election, term, powers, and replacement The President is elected by the Board of Directors from among its members and serves for the duration of the Board’s mandate, and is re-eligible. The President: a) legally represents the Association before third parties and in legal proceedings; b) convenes and presides over the General Assembly and the Board of Directors; c) signs acts and correspondence; d) is the main referent for relations with international cooperation organizations; e) retains powers of direction and operational coordination of the Association, in compliance with the resolutions of the General Assembly and the Board of Directors. In the event of the President’s absence or impediment, their functions are assumed by the Vice-President or, failing that, by the eldest director in age. The office of President is unpaid; reimbursement of expenses actually incurred and documented is permitted, within the limits and according to the methods established by the Board of Directors and current (Italian) legislation. The President may be revoked by the Board of Directors with the favourable vote of two-thirds of the members in office, for just cause.
Art. 17 – Incompatibility and conflicts of interest The President may simultaneously hold the position of President of associated entities, subject to authorization from the Board of Directors. In the event of a conflict of interest, the President must abstain from the relevant deliberations. In any case, the provisions of Article 2475-ter of the (Italian) Civil Code regarding the liability of directors shall apply.
Art. 18 – Supervisory Body The Association shall appoint a Supervisory Body when the conditions provided for by Art. 30 of (Italian) Leg. Decree 117/2017 are met, i.e., upon exceeding, for two consecutive financial years, at least two of the following limits: a) total assets of the balance sheet: EUR 110,000; b) revenues, rents, proceeds, or income however denominated: EUR 220,000; c) average number of employees during the year: 5 annual units. The Supervisory Body is composed of three effective members and two substitutes, elected by the General Assembly; at least one effective member must be registered in the register of statutory auditors. Members serve for a term of five years, are re-eligible, and may be revoked by the General Assembly for just cause. The Supervisory Body oversees compliance with the law and the statutes, adherence to the principles of correct administration, the observance of civic, solidarity, and social utility purposes, as well as compliance with the transparency obligations required by current (Italian) legislation. The Supervisory Body participates, without voting rights, in the meetings of the General Assembly and the Board of Directors. In the cases provided for by Art. 31 of (Italian) Leg. Decree 117/2017, the Supervisory Body also carries out the statutory audit of the accounts; in such case, all members must be statutory auditors registered in the appropriate register. Members of the Supervisory Body who do not possess the requirements of Article 2397, second paragraph, of the (Italian) Civil Code, may not be attributed any compensation except for the reimbursement of expenses actually incurred and documented.
TITLE VII – ECONOMIC RESOURCES
Art. 19 – Income and allocation The Association’s income consists of: a) annual membership fees; b) donations and testamentary bequests; c) public and private contributions; d) contributions from governmental and non-governmental bodies for development cooperation activities; e) proceeds from activities of general interest and, if provided for, from other activities within the limits permitted by (Italian) Leg. Decree 117/2017; f) income from assets; g) reimbursements from Commanderies for activities carried out; h) allocations of the “5 per mille” (five-thousandth) of IRPEF (Italian personal income tax); i) tax benefits such as “Art Bonus” and others provided for by current (Italian) legislation; j) contributions from the European Union and international organizations; k) funds from multilateral organizations (UN, World Bank, etc.); l) funds raised through awareness campaigns; m) financing from banks and other credit institutions. Resources are allocated exclusively to the pursuit of the purposes of general interest and the functioning of the Association.
Art. 19-bis – Assets and initial fund The Association’s assets consist of the initial fund formed by the contributions of the founding members, amounting to a total of € 900 (nine hundred euros /00), as well as, but not limited to, any subsequent endowments, contributions, donations, bequests, and gifts that may be received. The initial fund and any subsequent endowments are intended exclusively for the pursuit of the associational purposes and may not, under any circumstances, be distributed among the members, either during the life of the Association or in the event of its dissolution. The initial payments do not entitle to reimbursement nor do they generate transferable participation quotas.
Art. 19-Ter – Contribution of real estate The Association may receive ownership, use, or other title to real estate from members, member entities, or third parties, free of charge or for consideration, provided it is intended exclusively for the pursuit of institutional purposes. The acceptance of real estate is resolved by the Board of Directors and, for greater transparency, may be ratified by the General Assembly of members, if deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors. Acquired real estate is restricted to use for activities of general interest and cannot be alienated except by resolution of the Extraordinary General Assembly, subject to compliance with the provisions of the (Italian) Third Sector Code. The Association shall notify the RUNTS of the acquisition of real estate within the terms provided for by current (Italian) legislation.
Art. 20 – Financial statements The financial year coincides with the calendar year. The Board of Directors drafts the financial statements as required by the (Italian) Third Sector Code, accompanied by the mission report illustrating the activities carried out, with particular regard to international cooperation. By 30 April of each year, the Board of Directors approves the draft financial statements and transmits them to the General Assembly for final approval by 30 June. The approved financial statements are filed with the RUNTS within the legal deadlines.
Art. 21 – Transparency The Association, if the limits set by Art. 14 of the (Italian) Third Sector Code are exceeded or due to statutory obligations, shall publish annually on its website: a) financial statements and mission report; b) details of international cooperation activities; c) list of projects with beneficiaries, amounts, and results achieved; d) transparent reporting on the use of funds for cooperation.
Art. 22 – Prohibition of distribution of profits The distribution, even indirect, of profits, operating surpluses, funds, and reserves to members, directors, and participants is prohibited, as is the payment of sums exceeding the normal market value for self-employment or professional services and supplies of goods and services to the aforementioned subjects. Any profits or operating surpluses must be reinvested in the Association’s activities of general interest.
TITLE VIII – FINAL PROVISIONS
Art. 23 – Dissolution and devolution of assets Dissolution is resolved by the General Assembly with the favourable vote of at least three-quarters of the members entitled to vote. In the event of dissolution, the residual assets, unless otherwise required by law, shall be devolved primarily to other Third Sector Entities specializing in international development cooperation, according to the statutory provisions, subject to the positive opinion of the RUNTS Office and the MAECI (Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs) if the Association is registered as a CSO.
Art. 24 – Regulations The Board of Directors approves regulations to govern specific aspects of the associational activity. A specific Regulation is provided for governing Templar uses and traditions. A specific Regulation is provided for international cooperation activities, governing project design, management, monitoring, and reporting. Other necessary and specific regulations in compliance with these Statutes and laws (may be) resolved by the Board of Directors.
Art. 25 – Code of Ethics and international standards The Association adopts its own Code of Ethics and Conduct, published on the institutional website, consistent with the AICS (Italian Agency for Development Cooperation) Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics provides for: a) principles of impartiality, transparency, and prevention of conflicts of interest; b) rules for the protection of human rights and vulnerable groups; c) promotion of gender equality; d) measures for the prevention and sanctioning of behavior contrary to ethical principles. The Association respects international standards on human rights, social responsibility, and environmental protection.
Art. 26 – Data updating The Association shall communicate to the RUNTS within 30 days any significant changes to the statutes, registered office, corporate bodies, and other relevant information. By 30 June of each year, it shall update the number of members, volunteers, and employees if they have changed.
Art. 27 – Referral clause For matters not covered by these Statutes, the provisions of the (Italian) Third Sector Code and related (Italian) regulations shall apply.
Art. 28 – Transitional provisions (first officers) At the time of establishment, the first corporate officers are appointed in the Deed of Incorporation (members of the first Board of Directors, President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Referent for international cooperation). Notwithstanding the provisions of Art. 13, paragraph 5, limited to the first appointment, the President and Vice-President are designated by the founding members in the Deed of Incorporation. The officers so appointed shall remain in office until the first ordinary General Assembly, to be convened within 18 months of establishment, which will confirm or replace them.
Code of Ethical Conduct
Preamble This Code of Ethical Conduct expresses the values, principles, and rules of conduct that inspire the Association Templars Today World – APS (TTW APS), in compliance with its Statutes, the (Italian) Third Sector Code, and current (Italian) legislation. Inspired by the Templar tradition of service, solidarity, and peace, TTW APS is committed to promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability in all its activities.
Article 1 – General Principles
The dignity of the human person is the foundation of all the Association’s actions.
All activities must be based on legality, honesty, fairness, and transparency.
The Association operates in respect for human rights, cultural and religious diversity, the environment, and institutions.
Article 2 – Internal Relations
Members commit to maintaining relationships based on mutual respect, a spirit of collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
Any discriminatory, offensive, or harmful behavior towards the dignity of others is prohibited.
The corporate bodies shall perform their duties with impartiality, responsibility, and in the exclusive interest of the Association.
Article 3 – External Relations
In relations with institutions, entities, local communities, international organizations, and other associations, TTW APS shall act with loyalty, transparency, and a spirit of cooperation.
Any representational activity must be carried out exclusively by those authorized by the competent bodies.
It is forbidden to use the Association’s name or symbols for personal purposes or for purposes unrelated to the statutory aims.
Article 4 – Management of Resources
The Association’s economic, material, and human resources must be used exclusively for the pursuit of the statutory purposes.
Improper or personal use of associational resources is prohibited.
Administrative and accounting transparency is a mandatory obligation.
Article 5 – Conflicts of Interest
Members and associational bodies have a duty to avoid situations of conflict of interest with TTW APS.
Any conflict of interest must be promptly declared to the Board of Directors.
Article 6 – Commitments of Members
Adherence to this Code of Ethics is an essential condition for remaining a member.
Every member is required to promote, through their conduct, the positive image and credibility of the Association.
Article 7 – Oversight and Sanctions
The Board of Directors shall oversee compliance with this Code.
Violations shall lead to warnings, suspensions, or exclusion from the association, as provided for in the Statutes.
Conclusion The TTW APS Code of Ethics is a binding document for all members and collaborators, and it is made public as a commitment to transparency and accountability towards civil society and the international community.
Approved by resolution of the Board of Directors on 2 October 2025
THE PRESIDENT OF TEMPLARS TODAY WORLD APS MAURO FERRETTI
