International Development

Fondation de France acted quickly during the health crisis: support for carers and helpers, support for research and support for the vulnerable: over 650 projects were conducted throughout France in just two months. The crisis has highlighted existing frailties and those that were less visible, it has exposed the limits of our modes of production and consumption. The support mechanisms for the most vulnerable were quickly overwhelmed by the scale of the demand… Now, urgent long-term action is required.

On 13 November 2020, five years after the Bataclan attacks, the symphonic poem 'It will always be November in my soul' will be broadcast for the first time. Instigated by the parents of Stéphane, a victim of the attacks, this work has been created thanks to the New Patrons initiative of Fondation de France.

Since 2015, Fondation de France has been actively engaged in facing terrorist acts and threats, complementing the government’s response. Fondation de France has set itself an important task, in addition to the help provided to victims in the months following the attacks. The idea is to develop critical thinking in young people and to enhance their ability in deciphering news, to help prevent indoctrination and radicalization.

The social and economic crisis is snowballing as the health crisis continues. Poverty is on the increase and many – including elderly people and those affected by disability and mental health issues – are being cut off from society. Added to that is the particularly tough situation that front line health workers and carers face once again, as they cope with the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

On April 15, 2019, a fire broke out on the roof of Notre-Dame de Paris, devastating the cathedral. In the hours and days that followed, there was a tremendous outpouring of solidarity to rebuild this masterpiece of French heritage. The very day after the disaster, Fondation de France was called upon to launch a fundraising drive, along with three other organizations. It has raised over €30 million, thanks to the generosity of 11,000 donors!

One year ago, an explosion destroyed the port and part of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. This disaster killed more than 200 people, injured 6,500 more and left 300,000 residents without viable housing. Immediately, Fondation de France launched a call for donations. Three million euros were collected and two million have already been spent to support 46 field projects targeting four priority areas of focus: psychological support, economic recovery, support for young people and rehabilitation of individual housing and communal spaces.

On 15 April 2019, a devastating fire struck Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, unleashing a wave of solidarity throughout France and all over the world. Fondation de France immediately mobilized its network and launched a special fund to enable huge numbers of donors to help rebuild the cathedral.

For 50 years, Fondation de France has been the primary support for local associations working with vulnerable people: the elderly, the disabled, isolated people (particularly in rural areas), vulnerable people, migrants, etc.

In the alliance "All United Against Coronavirus", Fondation de France, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) and Institut Pasteur have decided to join forces and mobilize their entire network. Given the enormous number of needs, a call for solidarity is launched to support healthcare workers, researchers and help the most vulnerable. The donations collected will be used to help healthcare workers - whether in hospitals or not-, to finance research projects as well as to support local social professionals and charities working with the most vulnerable.

The Covid-19 epidemic currently affecting France is having a major impact on the country’s activity. In order to continue its work for the common good, the Fondation de France is adapting to this unprecedented health crisis. Since 16 March, all Fondation de France’s employees have been preparing themselves to ensure staff coverage and continue Fondation de France’s essential activities.