Chapter 1: Opening Doors to Education with French-American Philanthropy
A quarter-century after our creation, Friends of Fondation de France enables U.S.-based donors to support more than 200 projects in all fields of philanthropy.
Today, nearly a third of our projects support educational initiatives, including top universities, specialized institutions, and K-12 programs. These projects are dedicated to expanding access to learning and creating more opportunities for students and learners, both in France and beyond.
Support from U.S. donors enables these projects to advance their missions: from funding scholarships and program expansions that enable talented students from diverse backgrounds to study at some of France’s most prestigious institutions, to supporting bilingual learning that promotes international understanding and boosting learning development for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Supporting French education through our partners enables U.S. donors to advance programs that expand global opportunities. Explore some of the impact French-American philanthropy makes possible in education through these projects with wide-ranging visions:
Major French Universities
French universities have long been centers of academic excellence and innovation. Through their dedicated foundations, they expand access to higher education, promote research across disciplines, and preserve the intellectual and cultural legacy that defines France’s academic tradition.
Université Rennes 2: One of France’s major public universities, Université Rennes 2 is almost exclusively devoted to arts, humanities, and social sciences, with 15% international students.
Fondation de la Catho de Lille: Strengthening the mission of the Catholic University of Lille, a leading multidisciplinary university recognized for its humanistic values and focus on ethics, health, digital technology, and sustainability, the Foundation supports student wellbeing through scholarships and campus programs as well as all the philanthropic activities of the Catholic University of Lille.
University of Strasbourg: One of Europe’s leading institutions, the University promotes interdisciplinary research and student success through its Foundation, supporting financial aid and personalized assistance, as well as innovative educational initiatives and academic and clinical research projects.
Fondation ID + Lorraine: Supporting the University of Lorraine, Fondation ID + Lorraine promotes academic achievement, research, and innovation through scholarships and support for student entrepreneurs, while developing projects in research and education.
Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne: Founded in the 13th century, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne is recognized as a world leader in law, economics, and humanities. The university’s foundation advances academic excellence and preserves centuries of culture and history.
École Normale Supérieure Paris-Saclay: Supports 1,700 students in interdisciplinary research across sciences, humanities, and engineering, offering scholarships, PhD tracks, outreach programs, and collaborations with top global industry partners.
Université Paris-Saclay Foundation: The foundation supports interdisciplinary research in global challenges, including public health and sustainability, and student development across science and engineering disciplines at Université Paris-Saclay.
Top Business Schools
France’s leading business schools prepare future leaders to meet global challenges with creativity, ethics, and social responsibility. Their foundations support scholarships, diversity initiatives, and research that connect business education with positive social impact.
Fondation Grenoble École de Management: Committed to societal impact, the foundation supports students, research, and inclusivity in business education through scholarships and grants.
Fondation IÉSEG: IÉSEG School of Management, with international triple crown accreditation, promotes diversity and inclusion through scholarships and initiatives.
Fondation emlyon business school: Established in 1993 under the aegis of Fondation de France, the Fondation emlyon business school supports students facing financial and health challenges by providing scholarships, disability support, and funding for Ph.D. research.
Fondation Audencia: Founded in 1900, Audencia is a renowned business school in Nantes, France, aiming to increase the percentage of students receiving scholarships from 15% to 25% and its international student base from 30% to 40%.
Fondation Burgundy School of Business: Fondation BSB supports the Burgundy School of Business in advancing an alternative, international model of business education grounded in excellence, equality, and entrepreneurship—fostering leadership development through its LeaderSkills Institute while providing scholarships and resources that empower every student to thrive.
Toulouse Business School: The TBS Education Foundation supports the Toulouse Business School, known for its international focus and leadership in responsible management, by providing scholarships to both French and international students, fostering inclusion, academic excellence, and entrepreneurial potential.
Fondation Groupe ESC Clermont: The Fondation Groupe ESC Clermont supports ESC Clermont Business School by providing scholarships and emergency aid to help talented students overcome financial barriers and pursue their studies under the best possible conditions.
Fondation Neoma Business School: The Fondation NEOMA Business School supports NEOMA Business School, a top-ranked French business school with campuses in Reims, Rouen, and Paris, by providing scholarships and mentorship, funding academic programs and incubators, and improving campus facilities to foster student success and entrepreneurial learning.
Fondation ESCP: With an extensive alumni network, including many U.S.-based alumni, the ESCP Foundation drives ESCP Business School’s transformation through scholarships, developing academic chairs and professorships, supporting research and strategic institutes, and enhancing student experience and campus infrastructure across its six European campuses.
Excellent Engineering Schools
France’s engineering schools stand out worldwide for their rigorous academic standards and strong ties between research, industry, and public service, training engineers to think across disciplines to meet technological, environmental, and societal challenges. Their foundations expand access through scholarships and support cutting-edge research that fuels innovation on a global scale.
Efrei Fonds de dotation: EFREI is a leading engineering school in Paris specializing in digital technology, whose mission is to make education accessible, encourage entrepreneurship, and drive impactful research.
Ecole Centrale Nantes: Ecole Centrale Nantes offers engineering education with a focus on innovation, supported by its dedicated foundation.
Ecole Centrale Lyon: Ecole Centrale Lyon provides advanced engineering programs, fostering innovation and research in various disciplines.
Arts et Métiers: Arts et Métiers specializes in mechanical and industrial engineering, offering programs that bridge academia and industry.
Fondation Mines Télécom: Supports engineering and digital innovation education across multiple campuses, offering scholarships and academic programs.
Fondation Mines Nancy: Provides scholarships and specialized projects to strengthen engineering education and research at Mines Nancy.
Fondation Jean-Baptiste Gagne – UniLaSalle: combines life, earth, and environmental sciences with professional training, global engagement, and a commitment to accessible, innovative, and socially responsible education.
Schools Showcasing Specific French Savoir-Faire
These specialized institutions embody the best of French expertise, from fashion and gastronomy to design, aviation, and cultural studies. Their foundations sustain world-class programs that preserve heritage while equipping students for the industries of tomorrow.
Fondation INALCO: INALCO offers programs in over 100 languages and cultures, promoting global understanding through specialized education.
Fondation ENAC: ENAC provides excellence in civil aviation education and research, offering scholarships to support students in this field.
Institut Français de la Mode: A leading Paris-based school for fashion, luxury, and design that combines academic excellence with industry partnerships, while its foundation promotes inclusion, research, and access through scholarships and innovation.
Fondation Institut Lyfe: A leader in gastronomy and hospitality training and education, the Foundation expands access to Institut Lyfe students with scholarships and experiential learning opportunities.
Groupe Ecole Supérieure du Bois: Develops expertise in wood and bio-based material engineering through specialized education programs.
GOBELINS Paris: The world’s leading school of animation, GOBELINS Paris Offers scholarships and program support in animation and digital arts education.
Fonds de Dotation de l’Ecole du Louvre: Strengthens education in art history, archaeology, museology, and anthropology for students and researchers.
Institut d’Optique Théorique et Appliquée: A world-leading center for education, research, and innovation in photonics and quantum technologies, combining advanced training, cutting-edge research, and entrepreneurship to shape the next generation of scientists and innovators.
K-12 Education and Specialized Support
Education begins with opportunity. From early literacy programs to inclusive K–12 schools, these initiatives empower young learners, foster creativity, and open pathways to success, especially for children from underserved backgrounds.
Ecole du domaine du Possible: Offers innovative K-12 education using original pedagogical approaches to foster creativity and learning.
Mille et Un Mots: Supports early reading and literacy development for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Fondation Collège Protestant Français – Action Liban: Provides quality K-12 education and scholarships in Beirut, Lebanon.
Fondation Jeannine Manuel: Promotes international understanding through bilingual education by supporting innovative teaching, research, and financial aid programs that make its schools and partner institutions more inclusive and forward-thinking.
Support Our Projects in Education
Education is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a better world. By supporting these projects, U.S. donors help ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to learn, innovate, and lead. Make a tax-deductible donation to the project of your choice and ensure the next generation has the support they need to thrive.
