In order to take action at the appropriate scale and offer the same level of support in all regions of France, Fondation de France has opted for decentralization, setting up six regional foundations. And since philanthropy has no borders, it also works with its international partners to encourage transnational generosity and develop joint projects, especially in Europe.
Promoting generosity across borders
Health, climate, migration, respect for human rights – today’s burning issues are global ones. To respond as effectively as possible, Fondation de France works alongside other members of the international philanthropy community. For example, with the TGE network. Created in 1998 to encourage transnational donations in Europe, the Transnational Giving Europe network, of which Fondation de France is a founding member, has recently developed a new digital tool that simplifies international giving. This service allows donors to send secured donations to 19 partner countries.
Other important news this year: the opening of the American bureau of the Friends of Fondation de France in New York City. Created at the initiative of Fondation de France in 2000, this non-profit organization allows donors in the United States to give to a French organization or project under the American tax framework. Based in the French cultural center, this new space is meant to promote Fondation de France’s joint activities with American philanthropists. Using the same model, another branch of Fondation de France should soon open in Asia, in 2022. This year, Fondation de France has also mobilized to secure fundraising projects in Lebanon, where non-profits have been heavily impacted by the crisis after the double explosion in Beirut. Its actions helped Saint-Joseph University of Beirut and the Baalbek international music festival collect enough funds to maintain or relaunch their activities.
Working together as a network
The war in Ukraine is a reminder that in order to develop effective and coordinated philanthropic projects, we must work collectively beyond borders, bringing together expertise and skills. On the European level, Fondation de France has created many partnerships with other key actors such as the European Foundation Centre (which became Philea in December 2021 after merging with Dafne). In October 2021, Fondation de France participated in the annual EFC conference in Vienna, along with 250 other European foundations. The objective of this major gathering: encourage sharing best practices, promote cooperation and advocate for a legal and administrative environment that is coherent in Europe.
Fondation de France is also part of the Network of European Foundations (NEF). The goal of this network of European foundations is to develop joint projects. For example, in 2021 the European Programme for Integration and Migration (EPIM) launched a three-year project to strengthen civil society’s ability to defend the rights of refugees in Europe. Other major programs that receive the full support of Fondation de France: Ariadne, Europe’s leading philanthropy network focused on Human Rights and social change, and Civitates, dedicated to the question of democracy and Human Rights. In August 2021, the latter launched a project that supports civil society actors involved in the fight against disinformation.
Planting regional roots to be closer to the ground
Thanks to its six regional foundations and the commitment of over 200 local volunteers, Fondation de France has a clear understanding of local realities and can deploy its projects where the need is greatest.
Yann Desdouets
Executive director,
Fondation de France Grand Ouest
To respond to situations with substandard housing and poor energy access, very common in central Brittany, we are supporting an initiative of the Compagnons Bâtisseurs (Journeymen Builders), in partnership with Fondation Abbé Pierre and the local energy agency. This participative renovation project (local inhabitants, journeymen, volunteers) has improved housing for 13 families in 2021, and also helped direct those most in need to the appropriate social services.
Béatrice Bausse
Executive director,
Fondation de France Sud-Ouest
To respond to food emergencies and the distress that continues to effect vulnerable populations and students, we have strengthened our support for on-the-ground associations like Traiteurs Solidaires (Caterers in Solidarity) or Les Râteleurs, an association in the Gironde department that promotes healthy, sustainable food for all. All our partners have signed on to finding solutions that meet current needs. And so, in Bordeaux, the brand new Fondation Pierre et Catherine Lalumière has mobilized to create scholarships for students at universities in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
Laure Decouvelaere
Executive director,
Fondation de France Région Nord
In the Aisne department, in the Thiérache area, which is a particularly fragile rural zone, we sought to identify local stakeholders who were motivated to take on the local challenges of poverty and isolation. Convinced of the importance of working locally and the strength of the collective, we approached both public actors and local businesses. A very promising collaboration is evolving, with a business collective that is ready to commit. We will be by their sides to support their desire to get involved in their region. For example, we are supporting projects like the Learning Boutique (La Boutique Apprenante) in Guise that combines several dimensions: rehabilitation, the circular economy, social cohesion and cooperation
Jean-Damien Collin
Executive director,
Fondation de France Grand Est
In our region, where cross-border realities are very important, we have initiated a constructive dialogue with our German counterparts, who have a very strong regional philanthropy network. We organized several meetings and exchanges to share experiences, projects, and plan actions on common themes such as ecological transition, youth and European issues and developing regional philanthropy
Delphine Allarousse
Executive director,
Fondation de France Centre-Est
This year, Fondation de France Centre-Est confirmed its place as a major actor in regional philanthropy. Its ability to unite collaborators from diverse backgrounds and get them to work together has led to several promising collaborations. Among them, the first “Nights for the Common Good” in Lyon, which gathered close to 700 donators and project managers together in the name of public interest. In November, it organized a series of Mental Health Recovery Workshops, in partnership with Santé Mentale France. This regional event brought together close to 400 actors in the sector, with a goal of sharing and encouraging the most innovative mental health practices. A terrific collective dynamic that will be reproduced in other regions.
Cécile Malo
Executive director,
Fondation de France Méditerranée
As part of our Regional Actions program, we support a citizens’ collective in Briançon that works to welcome migrants, Terrasses Solidaires. With the support of other foundations and local and national associations, the collective bought a former sanatorium that was transformed into a third space for migrants, and also shelters services that are open to everyone, like a health clinic or an environmental association. A wonderful collaboration based on solidarity and cooperation that benefits the entire region.
