Philanthropy Barometer 2025: a new generation of philanthropists
The Fondation de France’s Philanthropy & Society Observatory has published the 2025 edition of its annual Philanthropy Barometer on foundations and endowment funds in France. This new edition highlights both the vitality of philanthropy, with continuous growth in the number of philanthropic organisations for over 20 years, and the emergence of a new generation of founders, who are increasingly younger, bringing fresh impetus to the sector.
A sector that continues to grow
In 2024, 5,833 foundations and endowment funds were active, representing a 4% increase compared to 2023. “Once again this year, the philanthropy sector has confirmed its dynamism and the importance of its role in addressing the social and environmental challenges facing our world,” says Axelle Davezac, Chief Executive of the Fondation de France. At the same time, the commitment of philanthropists is growing stronger, with a 9% increase in their spending, amounting to over €17 billion dedicated to initiatives of general interest. “More than just a financial contribution, philanthropy is about giving one’s time, putting one’s heart and soul into something,” says Emmanuelle Oudéa, who founded the Fondation En Revanche at the age of 32. “It’s a way of getting involved, of giving back to society, and the new generation can really lend weight to this.”
A new generation of philanthropists
“Over the past 20 years, the proportion of founders under the age of 35 has doubled, breathing new life into the sector,” notes Axelle Davezac. Indeed, between 2001 and 2022, their percentage went from 5% to 10%, whilst those aged 35 to 50 now account for 22% of founders (compared with 16% 20 years ago). Conversely, the proportion of founders over 65 is declining: they accounted for a third of active founders in 2023 (compared to 50% in 2001). “I believe that today, a new generation of philanthropists is emerging, one that is agile and focused on measurable objectives,” says Olivier Camino, founder of the Fondation Altitudes, operating under the umbrella of the Fondation Caritas France. This view is shared by Charles, founder of the Fondation HCGB.24, who sees it as “a fundamental trend driven by a desire to experiment and take long-term action”.
This trend is also evident among the foundations hosted by the Fondation de France, France’s leading umbrella foundation. Nearly a quarter of the foundations established since 2020 were set up by people aged between 35 and 50, and 8% by young people under the age of 35. The age of the founders is also a key factor in the choice of focus areas. For example, founders under 50 have established more than 50% of the foundations whose main focus is the environment, whilst founders aged over 65 have established half of the foundations working in the field of culture.