Celebrating
French-American Philanthropy

25 Years of
Friends of Fondation de France

A message from the Executive Director

For 250 years, France and the United States have shared a friendship deeply rooted in generosity. As America's first ally, joining in the fight for independence, France has benefited from a centuries-long tradition of mutual aid: from the selfless sacrifice of soldiers in WWII and pivotal peacemaking efforts postwar, to supporting the Notre Dame reconstruction after the devastating fire, our countries have stood beside one another in times of crisis and renewal.

As we celebrate the 25^th anniversary of Friends of Fondation de France, I feel honored to be part of this rich legacy: today, more than ever, we strive to strengthen the special bond between both countries. Philanthropy offers a powerful pathway to foster our shared values.

In 2000, the visionary decision was made to create Friends of Fondation de France, with the mission to develop French philanthropy in the U.S. A quarter-century later, the most prominent nonprofit organizations in France trust us, and U.S.-based donors can find their cause among projects deeply rooted in French heritage or making an impactful change globally.

Today, I feel proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the extraordinary donors and the prestigious nonprofit partners who have chosen to be part of this journey. I am looking forward to a bright future for Friends of Fondation de France.

Domitille Marchal Lemoine
Executive Director
Friends of Fondation de France

Building on a legacy of
French-American philanthropy

Rooted in nearly 250 years of shared history and values, Friends of Fondation de France is a 501(c)(3) U.S. nonprofit dedicated to advancing French-American philanthropy.

We foster lasting partnerships that drive innovation, resilience, and positive impact — from beloved arts and cultural institutions and advancing research, to youth empowerment, international development and education.

We work to further French-American philanthropy on both sides of the Atlantic

We enable U.S.-based donors to achieve their philanthropic visions with tax-deductible donations that support causes meaningful to them — in France and beyond.

In addition, more than 180 nonprofit organizations trust us as a partner to further their missions and provide them with the tailor-made guidance needed to launch or grow their fundraising in the U.S.

$50 million +
distributed

180
nonprofit
partners

330+
projects funded

25
years of
experience

$50 million +
distributed

180
nonprofit
partners

330+
projects funded

25
years of
experience

“Being a trusted partner for cross-border giving is about more than ease and compliance. It's about creating the best outcomes for both donors and recipients.”

Axelle Davezac
Chair of the Board, Friends of Fondation de France

Our History

2000

Friends of Fondation de France is created under the leadership of Francis Charhon, then Managing Director of Fondation de France and former Director General of Doctors Without Borders France, with the mission to support philanthropic ties between France and the U.S.

2001

Friends of Fondation de France begins supporting Festival d’Automne à Paris, which is dedicated to advancing contemporary arts in all disciplines — starting what becomes Friends of Fondation de France’s longest standing relationship with a nonprofit partner.

2010

After the Haiti earthquake, Friends of Fondation de France facilitates U.S. donor support for emergency relief efforts in collaboration with Fondation de France.

2015-2016

In response to the terror attacks in Paris and Nice, Friends of Fondation de France helps channel generous support from U.S.-based donors to aid the victims and affected communities, revealing the enduring solidarity of France and the U.S. in times of tragedy.

2019

After the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire, Friends of Fondation de France is one of just three organizations entrusted by the French government to fundraise and mobilize U.S. donor support for restoration efforts.

2022

Friends of Fondation de France opens its New York office at Villa Albertine with the appointment of its first Executive Director. In the years that follow, its growing U.S. team forges over 140 new partnerships and triples the donations channeled through the organization.

2025

Friends of Foundation de France celebrates 25 years of advancing French-American philanthropy.

"Many American philanthropists had supported prestigious French projects, such as the Louvre and Versailles, in the name of the long-standing American friendship.

With the launch of Friends of Fondation de France, American donors have a simple, practical, impactful way to support projects of all kinds, with donations from the most modest to the most significant amounts."

Francis Charhon
Founding Board Member, Friends of Fondation de France

2000

2001

2010

After the Haiti earthquake, Friends of Fondation de France facilitates U.S. donor support for emergency relief efforts in collaboration with Fondation de France.

2015-2016

In response to the terror attacks in Paris and Nice, Friends of Fondation de France helps channel generous support from U.S.-based donors to aid the victims and affected communities, revealing the enduring solidarity of France and the U.S. in times of tragedy.

2019

After the Notre-Dame Cathedral fire, Friends of Fondation de France is one of just three organizations entrusted by the French government to fundraise and mobilize U.S. donor support for restoration efforts.

2022

Friends of Fondation de France opens its New York office at Villa Albertine with the appointment of its first Executive Director. In the years that follow, its growing U.S. team forges over 140 new partnerships and triples the donations channeled through the organization.

2025

Friends of Foundation de France celebrates 25 years of advancing French-American philanthropy.

Francis Charhon
Founding Board Member, Friends of Fondation de France

"The philanthropy facilitated by Friends of Fondation de France is more than just a financial contribution — it is a real lever for the emergence of new artistic forms, the creation of cultural connections, and the long-term establishment of works of art in the French cultural landscape."

Clémence Atallah
General Secretary, Head of Patronage
Festival d'Automne à Paris

Our Giving Areas

ARTS, CULTURE & HERITAGE

Preserving and promoting world-renowned cultural institutions and monuments in France focused on history, art, film, theater, music, and dance.

CIVIC VALUES

Promoting and protecting the freedoms and values that ensure a just society through education, awareness campaigns, and direct assistance programs.

EDUCATION

Supporting a brighter future and improving the learning experience through scholarships, facility improvements, and specialized program support.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE

Assisting victims of emergency situations, such as natural disasters or health crises, to recover and rebuild, in partnership with Fondation de France.

ENVIRONMENT

Creating a more sustainable world for future generations through the preservation and protection of nature, biodiversity, wildlife, and natural resources.

HEALTH

Delivering expert patient care and driving global discoveries and new treatments in health and medical research.

HUMAN SERVICES

Creating more opportunities for vulnerable groups through access to vital services, including housing, health care, and training.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Empowering communities around the world through trusted programs that support women and youth, health, and economic opportunity.

RESEARCH

Expanding knowledge and access to information that will help shape the future of global affairs, technology, social sciences, and beyond.

YOUTH

Transforming the lives of young people through education, training, and support programs that help them reach their full potential.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GIVING AREAS