As we approach the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, and of the special friendship between our two nations, we reflect on the rich history of French-American philanthropic relations. From the Age of Enlightenment to today, it has shaped the cultural, scientific, and social landscapes on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Origins of Philanthropy in the United States
Benjamin Franklin’s legacy has profoundly influenced the development of modern philanthropy in the United States. American charitable traditions long predate Franklin and were heavily shaped by European — particularly English — law and religion, but he initiated an essential transformation by asking a simple and revolutionary question: why shouldn’t ordinary people organize themselves to create structures that benefit them, rather than rely on top-down patronage?
This question led to the first subscription-based lending library in Philadelphia, as well as the first volunteer fire company — made possible not by a single patron, but by modest contributions pooled together for the common good. Franklin also championed public-private partnerships, combining small individual donations with public funds, as seen in the founding of a Philadelphia hospital.
Franklin thus initiated the creation of many institutions, as well as the first fundraising appeals, recommending the right balance between emotional appeals and tangible benefits for the donor. This vision of the common good, emphasizing the power of collaboration between citizens and government, remains the foundation of modern American community foundations, a model that inspired André Malraux to create the Fondation de France.
With this historical context in mind, let’s explore some iconic examples of French-American philanthropy.
The Statue of Liberty
In October 2026, we will celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty, a symbol of friendship between France and the United States.
The statue itself was a gift from the people of France, with most of the copper sculpture funded by individual French citizens. The pedestal, however, was paid for by American donors, thanks to an innovative campaign led by newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer.
In France, over 180 municipalities contributed, as well as thousands of schoolchildren — one of the earliest examples of crowdfunding. In the U.S., the statue’s torch was displayed in Philadelphia and New York to generate excitement and encourage donations. Pulitzer’s campaign promised to publish the name of every donor, no matter the amount. This appealed to millions of Americans, including countless schoolchildren who donated pennies. His efforts succeeded, and by August 1885, the final funds were secured.
This incredible binational effort is a powerful example of how philanthropy transcends borders.
American philanthropy showed a strong interest in preserving French cultural heritage after World War I, particularly through major donors. John D. Rockefeller donated one million dollars to restore Versailles, Fontainebleau, and Reims Cathedral. The Carnegie family were also major supporters of the rebuilding of Reims. This support was essential in ensuring these treasured monuments could live on for future generations.
Marie Curie and the Radium Fund
Another example is Marie Curie, who in 1921 was invited to the U.S. to receive one gram of radium, presented by President Warren G. Harding, following an innovative fundraising campaign led by American women.
At the time, the cost of one gram of radium was $100,000 — about $1.3 million today. The funds were raised in under a year, and additional money was used to create fellowships for women in science. During her visit, Curie emphasized that she and her husband chose not to patent radium or its medical applications, despite the potential profits. “We have done right,” she said. Thanks to this act of generosity — from her and from the donors — radium remained accessible for the benefit of all.
Rebuilding Notre-Dame Cathedral: A Legacy of U.S. Giving for French Heritage Monuments
In more recent years, philanthropy has once again played a critical role. After the Notre-Dame fire in 2019, over €850 million was raised for reconstruction, including 7.3% from American donors. Friends of Fondation de France was one of only three organizations authorized to fundraise in the U.S. for its restoration.
The Role of Friends of Fondation de France
Since 2000, Friends of Fondation de France has facilitated French-American philanthropy. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we offer U.S.-based donors the opportunity to make tax-deductible contributions to over 200 pre-approved projects in France, spanning cultural, scientific, educational, and humanitarian sectors. Additionally, we support French nonprofits in developing their fundraising strategy.
As we celebrate these iconic projects, the partnership between France and the United States in philanthropy remains a testament to shared values and mutual respect. As we face today’s global challenges, such as climate change, health disparities, and cultural preservation, the transatlantic collaboration between our countries continues to inspire and lead by example.
