Examples include artworks in and around his properties and books as Christmas gifts to tenants.
Jenny WidénAlthough the donations are large, it is not primarily the figures themselves that define them. It is the intention behind them – a combination of personal reflection, business acumen and a desire to improve society.
Large contribution to paediatric medicine
The story of one of the foundations – the Joanna Cocozza Foundation for Children’s Medical Research – begins in the grief over a daughter who never had the chance to grow up. On the anniversary of her passing, Christmas Eve 2019, the parents chose to honour her memory by creating something that could give life to others. They first donated SEK 100 million, followed by a further SEK 30 million, to a foundation for paediatric medical research at LiU – the largest private contribution to research at the university to date. At the heart of it lay the wish to turn the most painful experience into something meaningful. It is an independent foundation with the university as its sole beneficiary. Their son Simon Cocozza serves actively on the board.
Jenny WidénThese interests took concrete form in 2022 when the couple established Catharina Högbom’s and Michael Cocozza’s foundation for research and culture in Linköping Municipality (the HC Foundation) with initial capital of SEK 100 million, followed by an additional donation of SEK 125 million in 2024.
The aim is to promote research in the humanities, social sciences and medicine at LiU – and to support cultural initiatives in Linköping Municipality.
New professorships in history
The donation is directed towards research environments within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The investment has, among its various outcomes, led to the funding of new professorships in history – a subject Michael himself has a strong personal interest in.
Michael, who is Chair of the Board, finds it highly instructive to see how the research system works from the inside, particularly how money can be used to best effect. Instead of spreading resources across many projects, the foundation has chosen to focus on long-term capacity-building.
What you give comes back
Michael Cocozza often emphasises that he grew up surrounded by generosity. His family, led by his great-grandfather, first came to Sweden in 1905 and lived under very modest circumstances. That background has shaped a perspective in which responsibility and humility are central. Michael’s father Giuseppe Cocozza, also a successful businessman, has always shared what he has – driven by the conviction that what you give somehow comes back.
This outlook has been carried forward by Michael, but on a larger scale and in a new era. He does not regard his ability to make significant contributions today as a reward for his own efforts, but as a responsibility that comes with success. At the same time, there is a practical dimension. As a businessman, he is used to thinking in terms of efficiency and impact – something he also applies to his role as a benefactor.
A foundation is more than donating money
Money must be used wisely, deliver results and build something that lasts. Michael believes that we in Sweden should take inspiration from the United States, where donations to research are tax-deductible. As capital taxes in Sweden are relatively low, he sees potential in raising them for the most wealthy – provided that increased taxation is accompanied by the option of deducting equivalent amounts when donating to research. The entrepreneur would then relinquish some capital while also gaining the opportunity to support research areas of personal interest.
Jenny Widén
