Philanthropy in France: a growing trend
The Fondation de France’s Philanthropy Society & Observatory has published the 2024 edition of its annual Philanthropy Barometer on foundations and endowment funds in France. This study confirms the vitality of French philanthropy. Growing steadily over the past 20 years, the number of foundations and endowment funds rose by 5% in 2023 compared to 2022. Furthermore, the commitment of philanthropists is stronger than ever, with their expenditure increasing by nearly 9% in one year, amounting to €16 billion committed to carrying out their public interest initiatives. Local philanthropy continues to grow, whether driven by individual founders or businesses. All are motivated by a desire to address needs at grassroots level and contribute to the vitality of their regions.
“In the face of the immense challenges our world is facing, this barometer shows that philanthropy bears an ever-greater responsibility to act effectively and sustainably in the public interest. To this end, it can draw on all those who wish to commit to helping others, and whose numbers are growing, particularly in local communities,” emphasises Axelle Davezac, Chief Executive of the Fondation de France.
A rapidly expanding sector
The growth in the number of philanthropic organisations continued in 2023, with 5,647 active foundations and endowment funds. The number of organisations continues to rise at a steady pace, with a 5% increase in 2023. Endowment funds and umbrella foundations remain the preferred legal structures. Nearly 3,000 foundations are active in 2023, representing a 40% increase over 10 years. The number of active endowment funds also continues to grow strongly, rising from 2,163 in 2022 to 2,665 in 2023.
Philanthropy increasingly rooted in local communities
For over 10 years, philanthropic activity has been developing at local level. The number of foundations and endowment funds established across all French regions continues to grow: 62% of foundations and endowment funds established after 2018 operate at the departmental/regional level, compared with 51% of organisations established before 2009. There is also a growing commitment from businesses to good causes, particularly in regions such as Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Pays de la Loire and Hauts-de-France. In these three regions, nearly 50% of foundations and endowment funds have at least one business among their founders, compared with an average of 30% for France as a whole.
“The local level enables us to innovate, experiment and work with stakeholders to develop solutions that consider the specific characteristics of each region. It thus demonstrates that the ability to act collectively is one of philanthropy’s key strengths when it comes to supporting the far-reaching changes that are needed and building sustainable, effective solutions,” explains Axelle Davezac.
Preview at the National Assembly
On 7 June, prior to its publication, the study on foundations and endowment funds was presented at the National Assembly before MPs and stakeholders from the sector. During these parliamentary meetings, Axelle Davezac, Chief Executive of the Fondation de France, noted that “for over 20 years, the commitment of those involved in philanthropy has continued to grow, reflecting civil society’s desire to address the major social, environmental and economic challenges facing our society. A true testing ground for finding new solutions, philanthropy sits at the crossroads of public interest initiatives, where it acts as a facilitator, a catalyst and a connector, complementing public action. Faced with the many challenges ahead, our world needs philanthropy more than ever.”