To enhance its understanding of the environment in which it acts, Fondation de France has founded an Observatory to analyse and improve the understanding of the scope and mechanisms of private philanthropy. The Observatory publishes polls on French donation habits and is interested in all forms of research on donations and patronage.

From its inception, Fondation de France has resolved to be closely associated with research, public education and cooperation to forge its professional identity and raise awareness of its activities. This boosts the effectiveness of its actions and its capacity for innovation. For example, in 2010 as in previous years, Fondation de France took part in the activities of various professional bodies, such as:

• le comité de la Charte du don en confiance, France’s only private, independent body in place to audit ethics and transparency in charities,
• The European Foundation Centre, as spokesperson to European institutions,
• France générosités, as the professional representative of private non-profit fundraisers to public authorities.