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Coming to the US: Highlights from Our Grantees’ 2024 Trips Across the Atlantic!

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Grantee 2024 US Events

This year, several of our grantees were involved in engaging events, talks, and tours taking place in the United States, covering subjects ranging from artificial intelligence and cultural heritage to performing arts and equality in education. Friends of Fondation de France provides logistical and strategic support for our non-profit partners looking to organize events and appearances in the U.S., allowing them to establish closer ties with their audiences and gain visibility for their impactful missions. Let’s take a look back on some of our grantees’ 2024 American appearances and celebrate the exciting events audiences can still experience this year-end!

Fondation pour l’Opéra-Comique: Recital at the French Consulate


Fondation pour l’Opéra-Comique is dedicated to preserving and promoting France’s unique cultural style mixing spoken dialogue and music by supporting artistic creation, educational outreach, and the restoration of the historic Salle Favart in Paris.

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Recital with Jarett Ott, who leads Händel’s  “Sampson” at the Opera-Comique this season, at the French Consulate © Fondation pour l’Opera-Comique.

On April 4th, the foundation hosted a memorable recital at the French Consulate, celebrating the artistry and legacy of French opéras comiques with an intimate performance that brought together patrons and supporters. The event, which featured a speech from the Opera’s Director Louis Langrée, addressed patrons of the arts and lovers of opera to rally support for this historic jewel. 

Friends of Fondation de France was proud to support the organization of this special evening, which facilitated connections with American audiences who value the preservation of cultural heritage. To learn more about the Fondation pour l’Opéra-Comique and its mission, please visit their page here.

The Hermione: Events in San Francisco and New York

This summer, the Hermione-La Fayette project was highlighted in a series of events to help promote the restoration of the 18th-century historic frigate replica. The Hermione ship, a true maritime architectural marvel, needs 5 million euros in funding to help return the ship to sailing condition and once again journey across the Atlantic to the United States

On May 19th, representatives from the association addressed the Bay Area French community in partnership with the Alliance Française Silicon Valley, the French Heritage Society Northern California Chapter, the French American Cultural Society, and the Alliance Française Silicon Valley.

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Theirry Chaunu of the American Society of Le Souvenir Français with an actor playing General La Fayette.

In New York City, the Hermione was also represented this August for the occasion of the 200-year-anniversary of General Marquis de Lafayette’s farewell tour of the United States, which set off on a 13-month journey retracing the General’s itinerary. The Lower Manhattan Historical Society and the American Society of the Souvenir Français were instrumental in hosting educational events and promoting the project in New York City.  


Friends of Fondation de France was happy to support the organization of these events and to help represent the Hermione-La fayette Association in New York City, allowing US donors passionate about history and French-American friendship to understand this unique project. Learn more on the Hermione-La Fayette Association’s page on our website.

Fondation Archery: Tour of US Cities and Villa Albertine Visit

The Archery Foundation is dedicated to closing the opportunity gap for gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds in France, offering mentorship, financial aid, and international exposure to foster their full potential.

This summer, a group of their Archery Laureates came to the US for the first time on a 10-day tour, visiting Chicago, New York City, and Washington D.C. While in the states, the group made a stop at Villa Albertine, where they learned about philanthropy and the impact of donor generosity on their program. It was a real privilege to meet these bright, talented young students and on this momentous milestone in their lives! 

To learn more about the Archery Foundation’s inspiring mission and explore how you can make a difference, visit their page on our website. Donors interested in supporting the Archery Foundation can do so through Friends of Fondation de France, which enables contributions that fuel life-changing experiences and resources for these deserving students.

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Archery Laureates in New York. © Erwan Katter.

Fondation Abeona: Panel on AI for the Common Good

Fondation Abeona champions responsible AI for the good of all by supporting research, education, and training. The foundation carries out its mission at the new AI & Society Institute in Paris, bringing together experts in technology, business, civil society, and academia to foster a deeper understanding of AI’s societal impacts and to guide responsible innovation.

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Fondation Abeona co-founder and Chair Anne Bouverot at Villa Albertine for the AI for the Common Good Panel.

On October 16, Fondation Abeona and the AI & Society Institute hosted an insightful event at Villa Albertine: “AI – Innovation for the Common Good.” Co-hosted by Dauphine Foundation USA, ENS Foundation, Fondation Abeona, and the AI & Society Institute, the event featured a panel which discussed the ethical challenges and opportunities AI presents in shaping a just society.

This engaging event encouraged critical reflection on AI’s role in addressing inequalities, sparking lively exchanges on how philanthropy can support equitable tech advancements.


For more information about Fondation Abeona, visit their partner page here.

Ecole Centrale de Lyon: Alumni Event at the French Consulate

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From left to right, Ambassador Laurent Bili, almnus Arnaud Breuillac, Centrale Lyon Director Pascal Ray, and alumnus Jean-Hugues Monier, the honoree of the evening.

Centrale Lyon is a leading engineering school in France, celebrated for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to fostering innovation, leadership, and social responsibility.

October 17th, Centrale Lyon hosted an inspiring event at the French Consulate that highlighted the school’s recent advancements and detailed its strategy to become Europe’s answer to CalTech. The evening featured an opening

speech by Ambassador Laurent Bili and recognized esteemed alumnus Jean-Hugues Monier with an award for his exceptional contributions to the school, marking his impact on the institution. 

Friends of Fondation de France was proud to help organize the event, which rallied support from the school’s US-based alumni. To learn more about Centrale Lyon and how you can support their mission, please visit their page here.

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Jean-Hugues Monier receiving an award presented by Centrale Lyon Director Pascal Ray.

Fondation Emlyon: Bringing Together Alumni in New York City 

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Executive President & Dean emlyon Business School Isabelle Huault and Nicolas Péjout, PhD, presented the latest developments at the school and the emlyon alumni network around the world.

The emlyon Foundation is dedicated to fostering engagement and support for emlyon Business School and its global alumni network, emphasizing the importance of generosity and collaboration across borders. 

On October 21st, the foundation hosted a special evening at the French-American Chamber of Commerce in New York City, bringing together emlyon alumni from the area. The event featured esteemed emlyon leaders Isabelle Huault, Executive President & Dean, and Nicolas Péjout, PhD, Head of Strategy & Development, who shared exciting updates about the school and the worldwide emlyon alumni network.

Domitille Marchal-Lemoine, Executive Director of Friends of Fondation de France, was present to highlight the emlyon Foundation as a hub for alumni engagement and to discuss how it facilitates donations from the United States. 

To learn more about the Emlyon Foundation and its initiatives, check out the Fondation emlyon page here.

Amis du Chœur Grégorien de Paris: The Gregorian Choir of Paris Tours the US

The Amis du Chœur Grégorien de Paris is devoted to preserving and promoting the ancient art of Gregorian chant by supporting the Chœur Grégorien de Paris. The organization is dedicated to both performance and education, with an active two-year program at the School of Gregorian Chant in Paris.

This fall, the choir made a memorable tour across the United States, offering audiences a chance to experience their melodies live with concerts and masses in Annapolis, Baltimore, Washington D.C, and New York City. Throughout their tour, the choir engaged with students at institutions like St. John’s College and Columbia University, sharing insights from their educational program and the spiritual tradition of Gregorian chant. 

Their performances were not only a showcase of musical talent, but also an invitation to explore a timeless form of worship and reflection. We invite you to learn more about the Amis du Chœur Grégorien de Paris and their work by visiting their page on our website.

The Year Isn’t Over Yet! Fondation Gautier Capuçon’s Laureate Nour Ayadi Performs in New York and Boston

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Pierre Loiret and Jean-Pascale Templier of the Amis du Chœur Grégorien de Paris association at the All Saints Mass in the Church of Notre Dame, New York.

Later this year, we look forward to more of our grantees’ events in the US. In particular, we are excited to support Fondation Gautier Capuçon in New York and Boston for a piano recital by Nour Ayadi, one of the foundation’s accomplished laureates! Tickets are available by reservation for the New York recital on December 5th at the Cultural Center of the Lycée Français de New York and for the Boston recital on December 9th at the Fenway Center (reserve before December 6th).

This special experience will offer American audiences the rare opportunity of seeing Nour play live in the United States, playing a varied program featuring Rameau, Beethoven, Chopin, and Debussy, among other renowned composers, showcasing her exceptional talent and versatility.

As we look back on 2024, we are thrilled to see our grantees make their mark in the U.S. through engaging events and impactful trips. As these impactful organizations grow their support networks, we are grateful to our international community, which continues to leverage cross-border philanthropy for the good of all. 

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© David Bordes
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