Philanthropy observatory
The Philanthropy Observatory contributes to the influence and advance of knowledge on the philanthropy sector in France and in Europe. Created in 1997 by Fondation de France, its surveys provide greater insight into the sector as well as the major social issues philanthropy addresses.
The observatory publishes two types of surveys. The first focus on the charitable work of foundations and endowment funds, as well as the latter’s strategies and operations. The second focus on the key social challenges which foundations and civil society address and are involved in.
The surveys are carried out by the Observatory and also via collaborations with specialized research teams on the topics covered.
They provide or offer a deeper understanding of the philanthropy sector, civil society and also the areas in which these constituents are active.
Explore the Philanthropy Observatory surveys
Philanthropy and Society
The Observatory of Philanthropy of Fondation de France inaugurates a new series entitled ‘Philanthropy and Society’ to start and contribute to this discussion and hone our understanding of the societal and environmental issues at hand. More than ever, we believe in the importance of understanding foundations and endowment funds’ practices in light of the environment in which they operate.
Foundations and endowment funds in France
Since 2001, the Philanthropy Observatory has developed and shared its expertise on foundations and endowment funds in a large-scale national survey, which provides a comprehensive view of this rapidly expanding sector.
Panorama national des générosités
The Panorama national des générosités is produced by the Observatory with several key stakeholders, providing exhaustive data on charitable giving in France. It tracks the extent of charitable giving in France as well as analyzing the various forms of donations and identifying long-term trends.
Loneliness in France
Social isolation is increasing in France, especially for those who are at risk. That is the main outcome of the survey on loneliness, published since 2010. In that regard, Fondation de France suggests, identifies and supports projects that promote social interaction on every level.
Philanthropy and communities
The work of Fondation de France, the leading player in the French non-profit sector, is constantly embedded in local communities. The Philanthropy Observatory provides a detailed analysis of charitable giving in these communities.
Corporate sponsorship
Companies are interested in the common good too. The increase in corporate engagement can result from a range of legal, fiscal and social factors, which are analyzed in the surveys.
Philanthropy, strategies and themes
Philanthropic practices are currently gaining significant momentum. Drawing on its expertise, the Observatory is analyzing this national trend.
Philanthropy in Europe and further afield
Philanthropy knows no borders and the Philanthropy Observatory led a number of investigations in France and abroad, to establish differences and similarities between France and Europe in this sector.
Gender Parity : Challenges, issues, and opportunities for foundations and endowment funds in France
Gender Parity : Challenges, issues, and opportunities for foundations and endowment funds in France
Editorial
The changing socio-political and environmental context over the past few years highlighted the need for a thorough examination of the role, place and responsibility of philanthropy in responding to both local and global challenges.
In line with its purpose, the Observatory of Philanthropy of Fondation de France inaugurates today a new series entitled ‘Philanthropy and Society’ to start and contribute to this discussion and hone our understanding of the societal and environmental issues at hand. More than ever, we believe in the importance of understanding foundations and endowment funds’ practices in light of the environment in which they operate.
In order to have a nuanced and thorough understanding of the matters at stake, the contribution of academic research is crucial. Accordingly, the Observatory of Philanthropy has chosen to collaborate with academics specializing in the fields relevant to each issue of this series.
The ‘Philanthropy and Society’ series opens with a groundbreaking study on gender parity in the philanthropic sector in France. Gender parity is closely related to cognate notions such as equality, diversity and inclusion, which are ultimately at the very heart of philanthropy. This study focuses on the governance of foundations, viewed as strategic decision-making bodies, and further analyzes how foundations address gender issues both in their actions and internal functioning and organization.
We hope that this first issue and, more broadly, this series will feed into the already ongoing discussions in the philanthropic sector and will afford us the much-needed perspective to continue to strive together for a fairer and more inclusive society, and a more sustainable planet.
Maja Spanu, Head of Philanthropy and International Affairs – Fondation de France

Philanthropy Barometer: the number of sheltered foundations has tripled in 20 years
The Fondation de France has published the 2022 Philanthropy Barometer study conducted by the Observatoire de la Philanthropie.

An overview of philanthropy in Europe
Si partout en Europe, le secteur des fondations est florissant, les comportements en matière de dons des particuliers sont en revanche extrêmement disparates. Panorama des philanthropies en Europe, fondé sur l'étude de 10 pays.

New national review of philanthropy: explore five key trends
8.5 billion euros is the amount donated in France in 2019. In its second edition, the Panorama national des générosités (a review of philanthropy), produced by the Fondation de France Philanthropy Observatory reveals five key trends over the long term.

Foundations and endowment funds in France: a sector in full swing
In 2017, there were almost 2,500 foundations and over 1,650 endowment funds in operation in France. Over a third of the foundations were set up after 2010, while the endowment funds, a more recent phenomenon, were all created after 2009. For the most part, foundations are being launched by increasingly younger individuals.

Philanthropy and democracy, challenges and outlook for foundations
Examining in depth the relationships between philanthropy and democracy was the object of a study, commissioned by the Fondation de France Philanthropy Observatory.