Publiations Director: Floriant Covelli, Managing Director of the French Institute for Civil Society Organisations

„Responding to a lack of knowledge and recognition
In a time of change for the financial resources of civil society organisation (CSOs), private giving is
playing an increasing role in CSO-run projects, although the average amounts donated are only
increasing slowly in France.
However, research into philanthropy and civil society in France has barely touched upon the
intersection between these two areas – the relationship between private giving and civil society. The
stakeholders themselves report that the civil society sector and the private giving sector know very
little about each other, and that there is a lack of recognition of their joint contribution to society and
democracy.
These observations inspired the French Institute for Civil Society Organisations to launch a working
group composed of 44 stakeholders and researchers to explore the knowledge needs concerning the
civil society – private giving relationship.
The purpose of this white paper is to share the work produced by this group.

The relationship between private giving and civil society – a blind
spot in research
An initial literature review was carried out to take stock of existing knowledge and to pinpoint blind
spots where more information is required.
The scant literature that exists on individual giving mainly takes the angle of tax incentives or
individuals’ behaviour when deciding whether to donate, whilst corporate patronage has primarily
been studied in terms of the type of advantage for the company (economic, tax-related, managerial,
human resources management, etc.). French research into funds and foundations is significantly
influenced by research from the anglophone world, and quantitative data is mainly provided by
stakeholders working in the field themselves. Critical research is also being developed which posits
philanthropy as a tool to legitimise unequal societies, or delves into its complex/problematic
relationship to democracy.
This literature review confirms that there is a need for more knowledge to be generated on the
relationship between private giving and civil society. In order to do this, new types of private donation
and giving practices (CSO fundraising, online collection, local foundations, etc.) should be documented
along with their effects (change in the donor/beneficiary relationship, corporate sponsorship and
professionalisation of CSOs, etc.). A European and French scientific approach to philanthropy is also
expected to come to the fore, which could help build on emerging work in France and Quebec on the
societal issues surrounding philanthropy (democracy, inequalities, climate, locations, etc.).

Several priority needs identified
There is a need for greater clarity on the many forms that the relationship between civil society and
private giving can take, and the different objectives of this (money, values, representation, skills, etc.).
The asymmetry of the relationship, trust and risk-taking are all elements which require study.
There is little information on the conditions, effects and motivations attached to receiving private
donations for CSOs, and the role of private giving in the socioeconomic models of CSOs – beyond its
role as simply a financial resource – has not yet been documented.
At the centre of this relationship, evaluation can be used as a tool for dialogue and recognition of
value, as well as a means of monitoring. It enables creation of knowledge, bringing forth new
assessment models which reveal the social transformation processes occurring at the intersection
between private giving and civil society.
In the current uncertain social and political context, the relationship between private giving and CSOs
should be viewed in the light of its contribution to democracy. This is complementary to public policy
and more closely linked to it in terms of its capacity to strengthen or even rebuild social ties, support
citizen action and participation, detect needs and provide new responses to these.
The relationship also requires study from a historical perspective, to better grasp the changes it has
undergone along with its institutional environment and understand it in the present day.
Finally, the relationship requires analysis in terms of the forms it takes in the local contexts where it
is starting to develop.

Moving towards a knowledge programme
This white paper is a tool for reflection which can be used by professionals and institutions wishing to
gain knowledge in order to strengthen the relationship between the private giving sector and civil
society. It is also a guide to encourage future research in response to the needs of stakeholders.
This research is necessary for civil society and private giving stakeholders to boost their ecosystems,
leverage jobs, strategies and advocacy, and improve dialogue with the public authorities.The Institute
will contribute to this, along with its financial and implementing partners, by launching an ambitious
knowledge programme over the coming year.“