Individuals, companies, project leaders, everyone can act for the common good. At Fondation de France, we help you transform your commitment into tangible, useful and sustainable solutions.

Individuals, companies, project leaders, everyone can act for the common good. At Fondation de France, we help you transform your commitment into tangible, useful and sustainable solutions.

Developing Philanthropy

Developing Philanthropy

We have been the leading philanthropy network in France for more than 50 years. Our work involves carrying out our own action programs and supporting our donor-advised funds.

We have been the leading philanthropy network in France for more than 50 years. Our work involves carrying out our own action programs and supporting our donor-advised funds.

Activity Report

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Extensive geographic coverage, at the right level for action

Philanthropy across borders

All our programs

Extensive geographic coverage, at the right level for action

Philanthropy across borders

All our programs

We ensure that your gift is used in the most effective way possible in the field or fields of your choice.

We ensure that your gift is used in the most effective way possible in the field or fields of your choice.

Institutional partnerships to enhance the sector’s professionalization

Fondation de France has contributed to setting up reference entities, which promote and develop philanthropy in France, such as France Générosités and the French Foundation Center. It also works closely with other stakeholders, such as Admical and Ashoka.

The partnerships generate tangible joint action, like the creation of the French Coalition of Foundations for Climate in December 2020 and the publication of surveys as the Panorama des Générosités (a review of charitable giving in France) and the Study on systemic change carried out with Ashoka.

Academic partnerships to advance research and knowledge of the non-profit sector

Promoting collaborations between the non-profit sector and the world of research is essential for Fondation de France. The aim is to acquire knowledge of the philanthropy sector and society. Fondation de France has established partnerships with:

The Essec Philanthropy Chair, which it cofounded in 2011, was the first academic chair on this topic in France. It contributes to recognizing the work and impact of the philanthropy sector. The Chair publishes and disseminates research on philanthropy in France and in Europe.
For example, it coproduced the first French Mooc dedicated to philanthropy,  La philanthropie : comprendre et agir – 2017  (Philanthropy: understanding and taking action - 2017) as well as the French adaptation of The Essence of Strategic Giving, by American author, Peter Frumkin.

The Philanthropy & Social Sciences Program (PSSP), the multidisciplinary and international research program conducted at Université Paris 8, contributes to the development of empirical research on philanthropy. It also helps disseminate this work to sector stakeholders, publicly and internationally.
Each year, with the PSPP, Fondation de France organizes meetings and seminars, inviting non-profit and research actors to come together to think through key themes relating to philanthropy, as well as related topics, in France and elsewhere.

The Geneva Center for Philanthropy, in which all faculty disciplines meet (including history, sociology, literature, economy, law and theology) represents the interface between the practice of philanthropy and fundamental research. In April 2022, Fondation de France and the Geneva Center for Philanthropy co-organized the first European Academy of Strategic Philanthropy, bringing together leaders of the 25 largest European foundations. Its aim was to collectively think through major strategic and societal issues which the philanthropy sector currently needs to face. 

International partnerships to disseminate the most innovative initiatives worldwide

Fondation de France promotes generosity beyond borders, thanks especially to its Transnational Giving Europe network partners and to Friends of Fondation de France and Fondation de France Asia. These organizations make it possible for French donors to contribute to European and US nonprofits and for donors located in Europe and the US to contribute to French nonprofits.

Fondation de France is also a founder member of the European Foundation Centre, now Philea, following its merger with Dafne in May 2022. Axelle Davezac, Fondation de France’s Chief Executive Officer, is a member of the Philea Board of Directors. This network brings together European foundations and nonprofits to increase their impact for the common good.

Fondation de France is also a partner of the European Venture Philanthropy Association, whose members practice venture philanthropy and/or impact investment. In addition, it also supports NEF (Network of European Foundations), whose aim is to develop initiatives that link foundations and other philanthropy stakeholders across Europe. Alexandre Giraud, Sponsorship Director at Fondation de France, became the chair of the NEF in May 2022.

Fondation de France also works with international organizations such as the Wings network, with some 150 nonprofits throughout the world. For instance, it helped produce the mapping of African philanthropy.

It also supports the Alliance magazine, to contribute to a better understanding of philanthropy and its challenges, and to disseminate both best practices and the most innovative initiatives, internationally.

Operational partnerships for greater impact on the ground

As part of its programs, Fondation de France is also called on to develop operational partnerships and carry out work on the ground. Like the development of development of family farming in western Africa with Comité français de solidarité internationale (CFSI) for instance, or relief efforts in Beirut, with the Agence Française de Développement in the wake of the explosion in 2019. The European Programme for Integration and Migration (EPIM), which provides lasting support to nonprofits working with refugees and displaced, is another major program which Fondation de France is fully involved in.

For decades, we have been developing the expertise to offer unparalleled support to organizations that wish to expand their fundraising efforts internationally. We take pride in our pioneering role to promote a borderless philanthropy that connects all: donors, founders, volunteers, and project leaders willing to act for the public good. We have also developed a strong network to become an important international crisis response actor.

 Our objective is three-fold: developing philanthropy across borders, sharing best practices, and increasing the scope and impact of joint work on the ground.

A Scope of Fondation de France International Reach

Developing Philanthropy across Borders: Efficiently Receiving Donations for your Philanthropic Project Abroad

When it comes to expanding your fundraising efforts on a global scale, choose Fondation de France as your trusted partner. Our international philanthropy team of experts empowers you to explore funding opportunities abroad efficiently and cost-effectively, making international giving a seamless experience.

The membership to Fondation de France international services offers the unique advantage of fundraising in Europe, Nord America, or Hong Kong while ensuring your foreign donors benefit from tax deductions in their countries.

You will not need to create a local structure of your own. We are dedicated to leading borderless solidarity, providing the necessary support and expertise to broaden your collecting horizons through our extensive international network and different mechanisms.

Еuгоре

In 1998, Fondation de France and three European partners established the Transnational Giving Europe network (TGE) to facilitate cross-border donations within Europe. Today, this network is present in 20 European countries, allowing donors to safely support the association of their choice while benefiting from the tax advantages provided in their country of origin.

United States

Established in 2000, Friends of Fondation de France is a U.S. nonprofit organization that enables any donor - individual, foundation, or company - residing in the United States to make a donation to a French or European association or project, while benefiting from the American tax framework.

Hong Kong

Being strategically located in Asia's philanthropic hub, we have established our structure as a recognized charity. This enables French or European organizations to benefit from local tax exemptions on donations authorized by Hong Kong law.

Sharing Best Practices: A Vast Network of Global Connections

In the realm of effective and structured philanthropy on a global scale, Fondation de France stands as a pioneer, collaborating with counterparts in various countries. We have been instrumental in the creation of the European Foundation Center (EFC), now known as Philea, a network that promotes a thriving ecosystem with over 10,000 foundations, nonprofits, and networks serving the common good in more than 30 European countries. Philea supports philanthropy development, knowledge-sharing, and advocates for favorable legislative environments throughout Europe.

Partnering with Wings, a network of philanthropy development, in Brazil, Fondation de France actively exchanges know-how, pooling knowledge, and supports lobbying efforts to reveal the full potential of the philanthropic sector. We work with Wings and Trust Africa on a vital project, actively supporting the development of philanthropy and nonprofit actors in Western Africa to enhance collaborations at local, regional, and international levels.

Fondation de France is a member of the Network of European Foundations (NEF), which fosters cooperation among European foundations and develops joint projects on the ground. Through NEF, we engage for instance in the European Programme for Integration and Migration (EPIM) to address migration issues collectively. Additionally, we collaborate with Civitates, another key European initiative on democracy. Ariadne, on the other hand, is our partner for human rights and social justice matters.

Our partnerships extend to the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA), promoting venture philanthropy and impact investment throughout Europe, aiming for deeper societal impact.

 As advocates for knowledge enhancement, we are an active member of ERNOP, a European network on philanthropy research, connecting foundations, universities, and researchers from over 25 European countries.

Increasing Impact of Joint Work on the Ground: Shared Actions across Continents

Fondation de France embraces collaborations across continents, and in Western Africa, we lead joint projects with PAFAO (Promoting Family Farming in Western Africa) and JAFOWA, supporting farming organizations in Burkina-Faso and Senegal.

Importantly, as part of our emergency response activities, Fondation de France has set up a new partnership with the Agence Française de Développement. In August 2020, when Beirut experienced a catastrophic explosion, the Agence Française de Développement was able to match the funds raised by Fondation de France, totaling 2 million euros. This collaboration helps reinforce support for local stakeholders over the long term.

 Beyond these partnerships. Fondation de France develops special relationships with network and foundations in the French and English speaking world, North America and Asia.

An International Crisis Response: Actor Prevention, Crisis Response and Sustainable Reconstruction 

Swiftly intervening after disasters and crisis, we stand with the affected, implementing lasting actions alongside local NGOs and authorities. From natural catastrophes worldwide to exceptional events and the pandemic, we offer timely support and transparency. Focused on priority areas identified by expert committees, we rebuild lives, foster social ties, education, and agricultural revival. With a strong partner network, we ensure proximity, rigor, and sustainable reconstruction, empowering communities in need. Our commitment goes beyond immediate crisis response, striving to create lasting reconstruction thanks to the acquired expertise during our 50 years of work for general interest.

At Fondation de France, we contribute actively to the development of communities, thanks to our regional foundations, the commitment of our volunteers on the ground and the donor-advised funds that choose to work locally.

Fondation de France is now accelerating this momentum, with its “Local Dynamics” program. Key to the process is an accurate assessment of vulnerability in micro territories, which a network of private, nonprofit and public stakeholders address proactively to meet the needs of residents. 

An example of this new way of encouraging new cooperation models and supporting experimentation locally can be found in Marseille. Fondation de France Méditerranée identified a dozen or so local stakeholders in the city who are leading change, which is exactly what community baker, Pain et Partage, does. 

This community nonprofit, which also facilitates integration, produces organic bread, which is distributed in the underprivileged neighborhoods and schools of Marseille. In Grenoble, Fondation Centre-Est supports nonprofit Point d'Eau. This key regional player provides holistic support (hygiene, healthcare and also administrative support, education, culture and sport) to very poor people. Point d’Eau relies on a large number of partners in the region and has chosen to involve beneficiaries in their work.

EXPLORE OTHER TOPICS

→ Developing philanthropy
→ Philanthropy expertise without borders

A unique volunteer network

Solidarity, health, environment, medical research, education, culture – Fondation de France mobilizes its volunteer experts for all areas that serve the common good. 530 volunteers are currently donating their time to Fondation de France. In order to see their programs through, Fondation de France relies on 36 volunteer expert committees. Made up of civil society professionals – scientists, teachers, researchers, business leaders, and non-profit specialists, either active or retired – the committees’ role is to analyze and select the most innovative projects.

In the regions, our volunteers work closely with our six regional foundations. Using their experience and knowledge of local conditions, they help identify the projects that best address pressing concerns in each area.

The leading philanthropic network with 977 donor-advised funds

In 2023, 36 new foundations joined Fondation de France. Today, Fondation de France is the leading philanthropic network, with 977 donor-advised funds engaged in all areas that serve the public good. Aside from offering customized support, such as expert advice and methodological assistance, we also strive to develop synergies and share good practices between foundations. Cooperation between Fondation de France and donor-advised funds has continued to increase over the last several years. The fruits of this collaboration can be seen in the frequent thematic workshops organized around major issues like education, culture, gender equality, and the ecological transition. These workshops offer an excellent opportunity to share analyses and experiences, and to lay the groundwork for mutually beneficial projects. 

Deepen and share philanthropic expertise

To foster the development of the philanthropy sector, Fondation de France has created partnerships with both national and international actors in the world of philanthropy.

The Philanthropy Observatory contributes to the development of the academic field of philanthropy, through its joint research projects with the Philanthropy chair at Essec Business School, the multidisciplinary international research program “Philanthropy and Social Sciences” at University of Paris 8, and the Philanthropy Center of the University of Geneva.

Sharing expertise to work effectively on the ground

Fondation de France has initiated and developed numerous partnerships with key actors in the sector, including the French Foundation Center (which it co-founded in 2011), and France Générosité. The goal is always the same: pooling knowledge resources, sharing good practices and working together on projects. For example, at the end of 2020, Fondation de France joined the French Coalition for the Climate to encourage foundations and endowment funds to commit to the fight against climate change.

Fondation de France also works with actors in other sectors to find customized responses to specific needs. In March 2020, at the beginning of the health crisis, Fondation de France joined forces with the Pasteur Institute and Paris hospitals. Together, they started the United Against the Virus Alliance. This unique partnership, based on complementary expertise and savoir-faire, made it possible to raise over 40 million euros for three different needs: medical research, care for hospital workers, and help for those most vulnerable.

To help non-profits overcome the challenges of the health crisis, Fondation de France also decided to establish a partnership with France Active, an organization that helps finance social entrepreneurship – and that the Foundation helped establish over 30 years ago with the Caisse des Dépôts.

For more than 50 years, Fondation de France has been deeply involved in medical research and helping those who are most vulnerable. With the aim of boosting the impact of these actions, Fondation de France has created various partnerships. For example, Fondation de France partnered with the Fondation Médéric Alzheimer to support inclusive initiatives designed to help people with Alzheimer’s disease. Together, they created the Fondation Médéric Alzheimer/Fondation de France Prize, which is awarded each year to the most innovative and reproducible project.

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We ensure that your gift is used in the most effective way possible in the field or fields of your choice.

Created more than 50 years ago, Fondation de France is the leading philanthropy network in France. A completely independent foundation, officially recognized as being of public interest, it brings together donors, founders, volunteers and grassroots organizations.

We have developed unique know-how to support all those who want to take action:

We enlist the help, on a voluntary basis, of leading experts in all non-profit sectors, such as solidarity, healthcare, medical research, employment, culture. This collaborative and multidisciplinary approach means that all aspects of an issue can be addressed and leverage for action can be achieved jointly.

With our six regional foundations, our work is embedded right at the heart of communities, so that we can engage directly with the reality of each territory, in all their specificities. Locally, we work with those who work on the ground to identify, select and support the most innovative and exemplary projects.

We firmly believe that participation from beneficiaries is essential and we promote projects that encourage their involvement.

In emergency situations, we act swiftly, but our commitment is always for the long term. Rebuilding a life or producing lasting and meaningful solutions takes time. So does trying out new ideas, testing new ways of doing things and taking risks.

We have generated a wealth of invaluable experience over 50 years. Meetings, workshops and training all contribute to building an ecosystem in which exchanges flourish among philanthropy stakeholders. Strengths are also pooled, to increase individual engagement and reinforce collective effectiveness, for society as a whole.

EXPLORE THE TOPIC

→ Fondation de France At A Glance
→ Annual report 2022
→ Fondation de France : 50 Years Of History

Since its creation in 1969, Fondation de France has never flagged in its aim of developing a French model of philanthropy. By encouraging all those who wish to make a difference, it has contributed to genuine social progress.

Here are few examples of charitable activities supported by Fondation de France for more than 50 years:

Fondation de France is a private organization that is able to conduct its operations thanks to the support of its generous donors. Its governance is based on two guiding principles: transparency and collegiality.

The Board of Directors sets strategy and also supervises operations, authorises the budget and the action programmes, approves the financial accounting, oversees management, and ensures compliance with legal requirements.

The president of the Board of Directors is elected for a four-year term, renewable only once. All the members of the Board, just like all the members of the councils of experts, are volunteers. The president of the Board of Directors names the Executive Director, who, together with his or her Executive Committee, is responsible for the implementation of the strategy.

The Executive Committee makes proposals and carries out the decisions taken by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is in charge of the executive structure and provides both the Bureau’s administrative personnel and the Board of Directors with recommendations on strategy, action programmes and communications policy, along with the accounts and budgets.

From left to right :
Loïc Lavoué, Chief Information Officer, Lazare Mariller, Chief Human Resources Officer, Axelle Davezac, Chief Executive Officer, Frédéric Théret, Chief Development Officer, Sabine Lenglet, Chief Communications Officer, Olivier Neumann, Chief Financial Officer, Alexia Henry, Chief Legal Officer, Alexandre Giraud, Chief Operations Officer.
© Lucien Lung

In addition to the different types of external oversight that are in place, Fondation de France has set up a rigorous internal oversight mechanism. For each expense that has been incurred, payment is ordered by one person but made by another. Payments of 150,000 euros or more must carry the signatures of  two different people.

As well as our own funds and cash flows, as an umbrella organisation we also manage the capital of the 916 foundations that we host, all under the supervision of the Finance Committee, which meets twice a year to ensure that assets and funds are being used properly, in accordance with our goals.  

Overall, there are five internal committees watching over the use of assets and funds:  the Finance, Audit, Gifts, Personalised Funds Supervision, and Payroll committees. The accuracy and transparency of the annual accounts are certified by the Accounts Commissioner.

Because trustworthiness and rigour are key values for Fondation de France, the way it operates is formally stipulated in its statutes, its internal rules and regulations, and its financial management charter. Relations with the foundations that operate under our auspices are governed by the contractual terms and conditions and a bilateral convention. Delegations of authority are adopted by the Board of Directors.

Because trustworthiness and rigour are key values for Fondation de France, the way it operates is formally stipulated in its statutes, its internal rules and regulations, and its financial management charter. Relations with the foundations that operate under our auspices are governed by the contractual terms and conditions and a bilateral convention. Delegations of authority are adopted by the Board of Directors.