AbonnéArt & Design

How American Philanthropy Contributes to the Preservation of French Culture

By Cécilia Pelloux13 janvier 2026

While philanthropy occupies a central place in American culture, its influence extends far beyond the borders of the United States. In France, major American donors and foundations now play a decisive role in the preservation of French cultural and architectural heritage. American philanthropist Jean Shafiroff explains this in an exclusive interview.

Jean Shafiroff, pictured above at the New York City Ballet Spring Gala in 2024, serves on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations. She attends approximately 125 charity events per year (Shutterstock)

260 K

Number of philanthropic foundations worldwide

$2.6 M

Donation from the French Heritage Society to Notre-Dame de Paris

$557 Bn

Total donations in 2024 in the United States

This year, our most important project concerns the restoration of the Abbaye de La Lucerne in Normandy, but we are supporting a total of fifteen projects in France

Jennifer Herlein, Director of the French Heritage Society

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in the history and way of life of the United States. Philanthropic practices nevertheless differ significantly between France and the United States, particularly from a cultural standpoint. While individual initiative and the tradition of giving back constitute a claimed social marker in the United States, philanthropy remains more discreet in France. The contexts are different, as are the levels of generosity.

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A Culture of Giving Deeply Rooted in the United States

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest private foundation in the world. It was founded in 2000 by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates with the goal of creating a world where every person has the opportunity to live a healthy and productive life (Shutterstock)

Several emblematic examples illustrate this. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is today the largest private foundation in the world; Warren Buffett is recognized as one of the most influential investors of the twentieth century. Michael Bloomberg’s philanthropic commitment began in childhood, when he learned the value of giving through his experience as a Boy Scout. His very first donation was a five-dollar check sent to his university’s alumni association.

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