Fondation de France provides any individual or entity with the opportunity to act on behalf of a cause close to their heart, by creating their own foundation. In 2010, there were 682 funds and foundations under its umbrella, with an extremely wide range of action and operating methods. Fondation de France respects the aims of the founders, whether they wish to support research, protect the environment, or help the most vulnerable.

Fondation de France advises patrons who wish to act for the public good by making available its expertise in financial, legal, fiscal and asset management matters, and its in-depth knowledge of social issues. It also provides foundations with a personal service when special measures need to be arranged (as in the case of calls for proposals, awards, grants or scholarships).

The scope of the foundations under its umbrella can be local, national or international, like that of Fondation de France. In this way, the foundations can distribute funds securely in France and around the world.
Through partnerships forged in Europe (through the Transnational giving Europe network) and in the United States (Friends of Fondation de France), Fondation de France, and by extension the funds under its umbrella, can receive donations from foreign patrons.