Fondation de France: 2023 Totals
Fondation de France was founded after WW2 by Andre Malraux and upon the idea of then-president General de Gaulle, to encourage all possible kinds of philanthropy, launching its own programs and supporting those of the near one thousand charities it hosts. Over the years, it has grown to become France’s leading grant-making institution in France, supporting a wide array of causes through donations and partnerships. As the premier philanthropic network in France, the foundation stands out for its comprehensive approach, which includes thorough project evaluation, a collaborative working relationship with all non-profit partners, and a commitment to sustainable impact.
The mission of Fondation de France is to address the most pressing needs of society by supporting innovative and effective projects. In 2023, Fondation de France supported 12,600 such projects, to which €295.65 million was allocated. Overall, charitable activities made up 90% of income use. The largest portion, 22.5% of funds, went to aiding vulnerable people and fostering inclusion, with initiatives focused on mental health, underserved communities, and excluded populations. Funds for children’s initiatives and education made up the second-largest percentage at 19.8%.
2023 Trends
Trends in the philanthropic activity seen by Fondation de France include a significant proportion of donations by bequest and life insurance policies, totaling €113 million, about 55% of all donations. In particular, bequests grew by €40 million from 2022, reflecting the growing importance of planned giving globally emphasized by philanthropic professionals.
Another trend is the growth of donor-advised funds (DAFs) as a vehicle for philanthropic funding. Fondation de France works closely with donor-advised funds, housing 977 DAFs within its framework to support unique initiatives largely focused on the environment, education, support for young people, and help for vulnerable women. In 2023, 36 new DAFs were created under the aegis of Fondation de France, demonstrating that the foundation is a trusted leader in philanthropic guidance and management.
Annual Report 2023: Key Projects
2023 was a landmark year for Fondation de France, as total donations surpassed €200 million for the first time, including 26 million raised for emergency operations after the earthquakes in Turkey, Syria, and Morocco.
In 2023, Fondation de France excelled in several key areas:
- Emergency Response: The foundation’s quick response to emergencies, such as natural disasters and violent conflict, was a standout. Major campaigns in Morocco, Turkey, Syria, and Ukraine were launched following the two major Earthquakes in Morocco and on the Turkish-Syrian border, and in the wake of the ongoing war with Russia.
- Education: Significant investments were made in educational initiatives, aiming to provide equal opportunities and improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged groups. The project “A violin in my school” is a standout initiative, designed to introduce music education in primary schools.
- Social Inclusion: The foundation continued to support projects that help disadvantaged and excluded members of society reconnect with their community. One impactful project is La Petite Cantine, a network of community kitchens where people can come together, cook, and share meals. This initiative fosters social bonds and combats isolation, creating a sense of belonging and community for isolated individuals.
Key Project: Emergency Earthquake Response in Morocco
One of the most notable campaigns of 2023 was the swift action taken by Fondation de France following the devastating earthquake in Morocco early in the morning on October 9th, 2023. Within 24 hours of the disaster, the foundation launched an aid campaign in collaboration with local organizations already based in Morocco. Within 48 hours, Fondation de France had already begun transferring funds to partners on the ground, ensuring the funds went where they were most needed.
With the support of generous donors, Fondation de France raised €3.3 million by October 11th, ultimately reaching a total of €10.8 million through 85,500 donations. American donors joined the outpouring of support, making substantial contributions to the Morocco campaign via Friends of Fondation de France, our most successful emergency campaign to date.
Over 26 unique projects were funded in Morocco, focused on providing support for immediate needs of victims including providing essential supplies, medical assistance, and support for rebuilding efforts. All resources and materials were sourced from local companies and organizations, supporting the Moroccan economy and prioritizing well established-initiatives to create sustainable solutions.
This approach makes Fondation de France unique amongst aid organizations, who often deploy their own agents and materials to deliver aid, which provide critical immediate relief but can ultimately stifle the region’s autonomy in the long run. Instead, Fondation de France forges relationships with local teams and experts who have the best knowledge and understanding of their communities’ needs, and can ensure the effectiveness and sustainability of projects. To inform their strategy, Fondation de France teams create specialized committees informed by area experts who represent the region’s interests and understand the logistical and environmental nuances.
Fondation de France is virtually unparalleled in its regional expertise of local actors and organizations in its areas of action, making it a trusted partner in times of emergency.
New Initiatives
To work more closely alongside experts in various non-profit sectors, CEO of Fondation de France, Axelle Davezac, announced the launching of a new series of “Action Collectives.” These collectives bring together donor-advised funds, experts, nonprofits, and other stakeholders in the form of collaborative think tanks to create innovative solutions to issues ranging from environmental protection to supporting and mentoring younger generations.
So far, nine action collectives have been defined, and three were launched last year: The Collective for Fair and Inclusive Ecological Transitions, the Collective for Crisis and Disaster Prevention, and the Collective for New Generations. These partnerships, fortified by collaborations with donor-advised funds, seek to strengthen the impact of future projects through the expertise of diverse teams.
Supporting Fondation de France
In New York, Friends of Fondation de France has supported the foundation’s fundraising efforts since 2000, facilitating donations from the US to Fondation de France programs. Through Friends of Fondation de France, US-based donors have the opportunity to support programs that are unique in their dedication to working with local partners and creating innovative and sustainable solutions. American donors can choose from a variety of Fondation de France partner projects, including:
The Environment Fund: focused on producing high quality research and applying it to real world problems, this program brings together nonprofits, companies and local authorities, and communities to create innovative solutions to climate issues.
The Childhood Fund: providing support for child education and development through projects centered around family assistance, psychological support, and scholarships for students.
By contributing to Friends of Fondation de France, American donors help sustain and expand these vital programs, ensuring that Fondation de France can continue its mission of creating solutions as a community. The collaborative efforts of donors and the foundation embody the spirit of philanthropy, demonstrating that together, we can make a significant difference in addressing global challenges.
Discover Fondation de France programs on our website. For more information on how to support Fondation de France through Friends of Fondation de France, please visit our website or contact us at info@friendsoffdf.org. Your contribution can help create lasting change and support initiatives that improve lives around the world.
