As we celebrate 25 years of advancing French-American philanthropy, Friends of Fondation de France proudly reflects on the transformative generosity of our donors. From natural disasters to tragic incidents of mass violence, international emergencies require united global support—and through our longstanding collaboration with Fondation de France, we’ve helped channel American generosity into impactful emergency response and recovery efforts worldwide.
Fondation de France’s locally-led, collaborative approach sets it apart, enabling rapid response within hours of a crisis. Decades of experience and a robust global network of local nonprofit partners ensure effective communication and coordination—not only during immediate relief but throughout sustained, long-term recovery.
Here’s a look back at the transformative campaigns our donors have supported.
2010 – Haiti Earthquake Relief
In January 2010, a devastating earthquake struck Haiti, claiming 230,000 lives and destroying 1.5 million homes. Friends of Fondation de France enabled U.S. donors to support Fondation de France’s emergency campaign, which provided immediate relief, shelter, medical care, and long-term recovery support to help communities rebuild sustainably.
2015 – Support for Victims of Terrorism in France
In 2015, France faced a series of tragic terrorist attacks, notably at Charlie Hebdo magazine in January and multiple coordinated attacks in Paris in November, resulting in the deaths of 147 people and injuries to hundreds more. Fondation de France’s emergency campaign launched in the immediate aftermath to provide victims and families with immediate assistance and long-term psychological support.
2016 – Nice Terror Attack Relief
Following the July 14 terror attack in Nice, France, which claimed 86 lives and left many others injured, an extraordinary outpouring of solidarity came from across the Atlantic. Friends of Fondation de France facilitated nearly $1.5 million in donations from American supporters, enabling Fondation de France to provide victims and their families, as well as initiatives aimed at preventing future violence.
2017 – Caribbean Hurricane Recovery
In September 2017, hurricanes Irma, José, and Maria caused catastrophic damage across the Caribbean. The emergency campaign provided immediate humanitarian relief and support for rebuilding of infrastructure, restoration of schools, and economic recovery programs designed to revive local businesses and communities.
2019 – Notre-Dame Cathedral Restoration
On April 15, 2019, a fire severely damaged the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. As one of the few select organizations entrusted by the French government to enable American donations, Friends of Fondation de France facilitated U.S. support for Fondation de France’s emergency restoration campaign, contributing to extensive restoration and preservation efforts.
2020 – COVID-19 Pandemic Response
During the global COVID-19 crisis, U.S. donations to Fondation de France’s emergency campaign contributed to funding critical medical research, healthcare worker support, and initiatives to assist vulnerable communities severely impacted by the pandemic.
2020 – Beirut Explosion Recovery
The August 4 explosion in Beirut killed more than 200 people, injured over 6,500, and displaced tens of thousands. Fondation de France launched a relief campaign within 24 hours, ultimately supporting around 100 projects, from rebuilding homes and storefronts to training craftspeople and restoring heritage sites.
2022 – Humanitarian Relief for Ukraine
Since the start of the war in February 2022, Fondation de France has supported over 180 relief and recovery initiatives across Ukraine and neighboring countries, facilitating psychosocial support, education access for children with disabilities, livelihood programs for displaced families, and legal assistance for victims of war crimes. U.S. donors have joined in this sustained response, helping deliver both urgent aid and long-term resources to the most vulnerable communities.
2023 – Earthquake Relief for Turkey, Syria, and Morocco
In 2023, devastating earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria in February and Morocco in September, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive destruction. A significant outpouring of U.S. generosity supported Fondation de France’s immediate aid efforts, long-term infrastructure rebuilding, psychosocial support programs, and initiatives centered around supporting children in affected communities.
2023 – Support for Armenian Refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh
In September 2023, a military offensive by Azerbaijan displaced 100,000 people from Nagorno-Karabakh into Armenia. Fondation de France’s campaign provides immediate humanitarian relief, shelter, psychological assistance, and long-term integration support for refugees.
2024 – Emergency Relief for Mayotte
On December 14, an unprecedented storm known as Cyclone Chido struck the island of Mayotte. 40% of all housing on the island was decimated, while access to water and power was severed for thousands. In response to the urgent humanitarian needs, U.S. donors quickly answered Fondation de France’s call to action, contributing to support immediate aid, infrastructure restoration, educational support, and economic recovery programs.
We are deeply grateful to all the donors whose generosity has enabled us to support Fondation de France in these emergency response campaigns. Thanks to you, vital relief and long-term recovery have reached communities around the world when they needed it most. Learn more about our emergency campaigns on our Emergency Response page. To read more stories of generosity in action, we invite you to explore our 25th Anniversary Report.
