2025 was a year of strengthening French-American ties through community, generosity, and shared purpose. Friends of Fondation de France was honored to take part in many of these defining moments—from French-American Innovation Days on June 19–20 in New York, which brought together health innovators and research leaders, to the first-ever Forum des Associations Françaises et Francophones, held in September in New York and Los Angeles, where French organizations and communities gathered to share their love for France and their desire to get involved.
Later that same month, we were delighted to meet President Emmanuel Macron at Villa Albertine in New York as he marked a new chapter in French-American educational exchange. In France, we were proud to empower many French organizations with Fondation de France at the Cercle de la Collecte Internationale, held on October 23 in Paris, supporting their international fundraising efforts.
We were equally thrilled to see our nonprofit partners expand their reach internationally through tours, events, and transformative visits that connected their missions with audiences across the U.S. and beyond. Read on to relive some of the memorable moments of French-American philanthropy in 2025!
Educating Global Leaders Together: ESCP Foundation Gala (May 28, New York)
Fondation ESCP, which supports one of Europe’s leading business schools and its mission to expand access through scholarships, hosted its first-ever fundraising gala in New York with the support of Friends of Fondation de France. Alumni, sponsors, and friends gathered to launch the international Rising Together campaign, raising $500,000 in immediate donations and pledges.
Heritage Meets Social Inclusion: Ambition Saint-Denis in New York (June 5, New York)
Ambition Saint-Denis, an endowment fund dedicated to preserving heritage by restoring the basilica’s historic spire while advancing education, culture, and social inclusion in one of France’s most diverse cities, hosted its first U.S. event at the French Consulate. The evening highlighted the reconstruction of the Basilica of Saint-Denis spire alongside community-driven initiatives inspired by the Olympic legacy.
Protecting the Oceans at UNOC3 (June 6–13, Nice)
During a week of global focus on the oceans, Fondation CNRS, which supports France’s leading public research institution, showcased cutting-edge marine science, while Metis – Arts et Développement, a fund hosted by the French Development Agency, demonstrated how art can mobilize action for the planet. Conferences, exhibitions, and the launch of The Ocean Manifesto brought together scientists, artists, and advocates.
How the World Gives: Global Perspectives on Philanthropy (July 2, Paris)
Fondation de France, together with Fondation Inalco, which supports scholarship and research around languages, cultures, and global understanding, hosted a conference exploring how generosity is shaped across continents. In a conversation moderated by our Executive Director Domitille Marchal Lemoine, speakers examined traditions of giving in Asia, Europe, and North America, revealing shared values beneath cultural differences.
Celebrating 25 Years of French-American Giving (July 7, Paris)
Friends of Fondation de France marked its 25th anniversary alongside our partner Fondation de France, France’s leading philanthropic institution, bringing together partners and supporters to celebrate a quarter century of shared impact. Moderated conversations with Frédéric Attal, Jean-Marc Lieberherr Monnet, Leah Pisar, Lionel Sauvage, and Louis Langrée–and a special musical performance by Opéra-Comique–honored the relationships that have sustained French-American generosity over time.
Empowering the Next Generation: Fondation Archery in the U.S. (July, Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C.)
Fondation Archery, which supports promising young students from disadvantaged backgrounds through long-term mentorship, brought its laureates on an annual immersive journey across Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. Meetings with civic leaders, universities, and nonprofits offered firsthand insight into American society, highlighting how exchange builds confidence, perspective, and future leadership.
Honoring Commitment to French Causes (September 10, New York)
At Villa Albertine, Friends of Fondation de France celebrated its 25th anniversary alongside a Légion d’Honneur ceremony honoring Board Secretary Victoria B. Bjorklund for her lifelong commitment to French causes. More than 130 guests gathered to reflect on decades of generosity and collaboration.
Exploration for Climate Science: Polar Pod Outreach (October, California)
Océan Polaire, led by renowned explorer Jean-Louis Étienne, shared its ambitious Polar Pod project—designed to study the Southern Ocean and climate systems—through public events in California, including at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Lectures and onboard visits invited American audiences to engage with French-led scientific exploration, turning curiosity into shared purpose around climate research.
Opening New Pathways for Research Support: Fondation CNRS (November 16, New York)
Fondation CNRS officially launched in the United States with a presentation evening in New York at NYU’s Institute of French Studies, introducing U.S. audiences to France’s flagship research organization and its work at the intersection of science, the arts, and environmental challenges. Researchers, philanthropists, and institutional leaders exchanged ideas on science in service of society.
Lyon on the Global Stage: OnlyLyon in New York & Boston (November 18–20)
The OnlyLyon initiative brought together academic and civic leaders to showcase Lyon’s vibrant ecosystem of education, innovation, and philanthropy. Friends of Fondation de France highlighted four initiatives U.S. donors can support: Fondation Centrale Lyon, strengthening scholarships and campus life; Fondation emlyon, expanding student scholarships and emergency aid; Mines Saint-Étienne Tech – Fondation Mines-Télécom, supporting mobility and merit-based scholarships; and Fondation Innovation & Transition, advancing mental health care and attracting international researchers.
À la prochaine – until next time!
We were delighted to travel alongside our partners, both in person and vicariously, as they shared their missions, met new supporters, and continued building lasting relationships between France and the U.S. Together, we are reminded that French-American friendship continues to thrive when generosity brings people together in service of the common good. We look forward to following our partners’ journeys in 2026!
