Fondation de France strengthens its international presence with the creation of Fondation de France UK
Already present in New York and Hong Kong to encourage and facilitate cross-border philanthropy, Fondation de France is establishing a presence in the United Kingdom, a leader in charitable giving among European countries. Let’s look back at the Fondation de France UK launch event, held on January 21st at the Institut Français in London.
"The UK's philanthropic DNA and dynamism make it the most generous country in Europe. Establishing Fondation de France UK in this vibrant and motivating energy will help us build strong bridges to unite the common strengths and aspirations of our respective communities," explained Axelle Davezac, CEO of Fondation de France, to around 100 people gathered for the launch of the new London office. Those present included Hélène Duchêne, French Ambassador in London, Samer Melki, Consul General of France in London, as well as sponsors and participants in British philanthropy and members of the UK academic community. "Fondation de France UK will be the perfect tool in service of philanthropy at a bilateral level, a true laboratory for fostering dialogue, comparing visions, sharing best practices and inventing new ones, in order to increase impact and build lasting, foundational solutions," added Hélène Duchêne.
Speech by Axelle Davezac, CEO of Fondation de France, at the Fondation de France UK launch event on 21 January 2025.
The creation of Fondation de France UK marks a new stage in the development of Fondation de France's "Cross-border Philanthropy" approach. The aim is to support French fundraising organisations in their international fundraising efforts, as well as donors living abroad who wish to support public-interest projects in France. Fondation de France UK will also be tasked with identifying innovative projects run jointly by associations in both countries.
"We worked for many months to set up a support committee, whose role will be to help French organisations raise funds, and also to identify and develop collaborative projects between France and the UK in various areas of public interest: medical and scientific research, cultural exchanges, the fight against poverty, etc." explains Hugo Marin, international philanthropy consultant at Fondation de France. This support committee, made up of philanthropists, entrepreneurs and directors of large voluntary companies, will encourage networking between these organisations, provide a better understanding of how British philanthropy works, and help to identify and contact sponsors to support the development of the projects.
TO FIND OUT MORE
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