Research on foundations, donations, and corporate philanthropy.

In a willingness to encourage generosity and accompany ground actors, the Observatoire de la Fondation de France was created in 1997. It contributes towards realistic observation of philanthropy in France, its expression and evolution.

The Observatoire is aimed at actors, patrons, corporations, researchers, students, the media, and more generally at any person sensitive to the non-profit-making sector.

Observing, understanding, conveying to act more efficiently.

Running studies about the profile of donors and volunteers, about patronage, corporate philanthropy and the responsible behaviour of private companies, or about the history and personal motivation of founders, take part in the concern to grasp more thoroughly the different forms of commitment in favour of the general interest. Such knowledge will also enable to provide better responses to the expectations of the numerous people wishing to drive private generosity and make it thrive in everyday life.

The Observatoire takes part in and funds several kinds of works: surveys, studies and research.

The Observatoire is destined to gain progressively an international dimension, with the widening of its fields of investigation as well as the setting-up of partnerships with international organizations.