Foundations and endowment funds in France: a focus on French-style philanthropy

The Fondation de France’s Philanthropy & Society Observatory has published its latest study on foundations and endowment funds in France. This sixth edition reflects the sector’s dynamism and highlights its key trends. 

Produced every four years, the study on foundations and endowment funds in France serves as an essential reference tool for all stakeholders in the sector, as well as for institutions and public authorities. This new edition reflects the sector’s dynamism. In 2022, there were more than 5,300 active foundations and endowment funds. Their economic influence is also on the rise, with €40 billion in assets under management and nearly €15 billion in expenditure. 

Whilst individuals and families remain the main founders, behind half of all philanthropic organisations, businesses are also becoming increasingly involved. In terms of operating models, the grant-making model remains predominant, with around 80% of organisations being grant-making bodies compared to 20% operating organisations. 

Social welfare, the leading area of focus 

Another key finding of the study is that social welfare remains the leading area of focus, with a quarter of philanthropic organisations active in this field and accounting for 40% of expenditure. Whilst the arts and culture, health and education remain highly popular causes, the survey also highlights the growing number of foundations working for the environment. Thus, 13% of recent philanthropic organisations (set up between 2019 and 2022) are active on environmental issues, compared with just 5% 20 years ago. 

The desire to act at local level is also one of the major trends identified by the study: more than half of foundations and endowment funds choose to operate at the departmental or regional level, and over 40% at local level. 

For the first time, the study includes a qualitative component to explore how foundations operate and what their priorities are. It reveals the growing interest among philanthropic organisations in systemic approaches. Such approaches are indeed becoming increasingly prevalent within the philanthropic sector. They take various forms, such as a methodology based on in-depth analysis of the determinants of a problem in order to address the various factors that influence it, more horizontal working relationships with the various stakeholders involved in an issue, longer-term financial support, and so on. 52% of foundations and endowment funds confirm that they are implementing this comprehensive approach, whilst 15% intend to do so soon. 

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.”