ABSTRACT
Traditionally, foundations in France have been regarded with indifference. However, in recent years, they have been the subject of increased interest. New initiatives are announced regularly; the French Centre for Foundations receives more inquiries from would-be patrons than ever before; a new awareness of the existence of shared interests seems to have developed among existing and potential donors and one politician has even suggested a ‘foundations day’! 1 Some 2,150 foundations exist in France today. France still lags far behind other countries with regard to the number of foundations compared to its total population (there are 3.5 foundations per 100,000 inhabitants). 2 It compares more favourably regarding the total expenditure of foundations, with more than €3,000 million spent annually. 3 New tax measures were adopted between 2000 and 2004 in order to encourage philanthropic giving.
