The Foundation supports France in its fight against poverty

June 4 marks the launch of a vast national campaign run by Le Mouvement associatif and France générosités around the theme of “La France qui (se) bat”, embodied by the associations. By supporting this movement, the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation wishes to affirm its commitment to those who work in the field for the general interest. Against a backdrop of multiple crises, supporting associations is more than ever at the heart of the Foundation’s action.

With nearly 1.6 million active organizations in France, the associative fabric plays a central role in our daily lives. From the local sports association to the major festivals that set the pace for cultural life, not to mention the parent-teacher organizations that energize family life, associations are an essential pillar of democracy. Often perceived from the angle of volunteer involvement, associations also represent a significant economic force. They account for around 10% of private-sector employment and employ nearly 2 million people.

Over and above their diversity, the associations meet a twofold challenge. On the one hand, they meet collective needs that neither the market nor the public authorities can fully cover. On the other hand, they strengthen civic participation, by offering everyone the chance to make a concrete commitment to their neighborhood, town or region.

France beats… and fights on

However, the associative sector is today sounding the alarm about the precariousness of its situation. Between falling public subsidies – the share of subsidies in the budget of associations has fallen by 41% in 20 years[1] -, shorter funding periods and ever-increasing needs in a context of multiple crises, associations are prey to a “scissors” effect that makes them particularly vulnerable.

As early as 2025, Le Mouvement associatif warned of the sector’s worrying financial situation: almost a third of employing associations (31%) would have a cash position of less than three months, exposing them to immediate risks[2]. These difficulties are compounded by a loss of momentum in the voluntary sector, marked by more complex recruitment processes and growing fatigue among those already involved. The Observatoire des libertés associatives also warned in a report on the infringements of freedoms encountered by certain associations, which restrict their action.

But beyond the structures themselves, it is the social equilibrium that is threatened. As Benoît Mounier, Managing Director France of the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation, points out: “Our actions to promote more sustainable food systems and art as a driving force for citizenship are part of a broader commitment to social cohesion, democratic spaces and a strong territorial base. And it’s this commitment that the associations carry forward.”

Close to the needs of the field

Against this backdrop of a weakening associative fabric, the Daniel and Nina Carasso Foundation is seeking to adapt its modes of action to respond more effectively to realities on the ground, and to offer forms of support more in tune with the concrete needs of project leaders. We try to act on our own scale, on a day-to-day basis,” explains Benoît Mounier. At the heart of our approach, one question guides our work with the associations we support: how can we help you? This approach, which we claim to be humble, aims to provide close support for project leaders, including emerging initiatives that are sometimes less visible but essential.

In January 2026, the Foundation launched a survey of all its partners, with the aim of shifting the focus from projects to the structures and people who bring them to life. Nearly a hundred partners were questioned on several key points: the overall health of their organizations, their relations with public and private funding bodies, the support they receive, and the mental health of their managers.

The initial findings highlight the importance of helping associations to arbitrate, decide and adapt in an uncertain environment, as well as the need for greater support for associative managers, who are on the front line in the face of growing tensions in the sector.

To each his own with CARTAE

With this in mind, in 2025 the Foundation launched a customized support system called CARTAE offered to associations already supported by the Foundation who express a need. The aim is to go beyond mere financial support to include a more structural dimension.

With CARTAE, there are no set paths, but rather a flexible approach, adapted to the timeframes and profiles of the organizations involved. There are several possible entry points: identification by Foundation teams, calls for expressions of interest or spontaneous requests from structures in difficulty. Once integrated, associations can benefit from a wide range of support – advice, workshops, training or mentoring – depending on their specific needs.

This support can take the form of global accompaniment, based on an in-depth diagnosis, or more targeted interventions in response to a specific problem or emergency situation. “Behind the different needs, we often observe a common necessity: to have a space to take a step back, consolidate the organization and support teams over the long term”, explains Marion Desmares, Support Manager.

At the heart of our approach is a guiding principle: to listen, avoid interference and respect the choices of the organizations we support. Between flexibility and co-construction, the foundation aims to offer a framework for intervention tailored to the sector’s complex challenges.

Video and photo credits: © La France qui se bat ; Benoit Mounier © Antoine Boissonot ; Marion Desmares © Stefano Borghi.