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Philanthropy and Society

The Observatory of Philanthropy of Fondation de France inaugurates a new series entitled ‘Philanthropy and Society’ to start and contribute to this discussion and hone our understanding of the societal and environmental issues at hand. More than ever, we believe in the importance of understanding foundations and endowment funds’ practices in light of the environment in which they operate.

World Giving Report 2026: French particularities

The first part of the World Giving Report 2026, produced by the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) in partnership with Fondation de France for the French part of the study, provides a new insight into generosity in 105 countries.

The times for philanthropic action: how can we balance immediate needs with the long term?

Our times are marked by major upheavals and multiple crises that require both immediate emergency responses and the development of long-term, structural solutions. How can philanthropic practices take these different timeframes into account? This question lies at the heart of the new study by the Fondation de France’s Philanthropy & Society Observatory.

Philanthropy and Society

The Philanthropy & Society Observatory

Philanthropy and Society Studies

L'Observatoire Philanthropie et société

Philanthropy and Society

 

The Observatory of Philanthropy of Fondation de France inaugurates a new series entitled ‘Philanthropy and Society’ to start and contribute to this discussion and hone our understanding of the societal and environmental issues at hand. More than ever, we believe in the importance of understanding foundations and endowment funds’ practices in light of the environment in which they operate.

The national survey on funds and foundations

The Philanthropy & Society Observatory

The National Survey of Charitable
Foundations and Endowment Funds

L'Observatoire Philanthropie et société

The national survey on funds and foundations

 

Since 2001, the Philanthropy & Society Observatory has been developing and sharing its expertise on charitable foundations and endowment funds through a major national survey. This survey provides a comprehensive overview of the sector.

Philanthropy in a changing climate: challenges and perspectives for a just transition

Across the globe, societies are confronting climate disruption and its serious consequences for both the planet and its populations. These challenges are at the core of a new study conducted by the Philanthropy & Society Observatory of the Fondation de France, in collaboration with Anne Monier, a researcher at the ESSEC Philanthropy Chair.

Philanthropy and democracy: Challenges and opportunities for Foundations in 21st Century

While philanthropy contributes to the promotion of democracy through its actions, it must also reaffirm its democratic legitimacy as a private entity serving the public interest. Exploring the relationship between philanthropy and democracy was the focus of a study commissioned by the Philanthropy Observatory of the Fondation de France and conducted by two independent researchers: Nicolas Duvoux, a sociologist specializing in philanthropy in France, and Sylvain Lefèvre, a political scientist based in Montreal. The study was presented on December 7 in the presence of leading experts on the subject.

Gender Parity : Challenges, issues, and opportunities for foundations and endowment funds in France

Editorial

The changing socio-political and environmental context over the past few years highlighted the need for a thorough examination of the role, place and responsibility of philanthropy in responding to both local and global challenges.

In line with its purpose, the Observatory of Philanthropy of Fondation de France inaugurates today a new series entitled ‘Philanthropy and Society’ to start and contribute to this discussion and hone our understanding of the societal and environmental issues at hand. More than ever, we believe in the importance of understanding foundations and endowment funds’ practices in light of the environment in which they operate.

In order to have a nuanced and thorough understanding of the matters at stake, the contribution of academic research is crucial. Accordingly, the Observatory of Philanthropy has chosen to collaborate with academics specializing in the fields relevant to each issue of this series.

The ‘Philanthropy and Society’ series opens with a groundbreaking study on gender parity in the philanthropic sector in France. Gender parity is closely related to cognate notions such as equality, diversity and inclusion, which are ultimately at the very heart of philanthropy. This study focuses on the governance of foundations, viewed as strategic decision-making bodies, and further analyzes how foundations address gender issues both in their actions and internal functioning and organization.

We hope that this first issue and, more broadly, this series will feed into the already ongoing discussions in the philanthropic sector and will afford us the much-needed perspective to continue to strive together for a fairer and more inclusive society, and a more sustainable planet.

Maja Spanu, Head of Philanthropy and International Affairs – Fondation de France

Download the study