This year's findings paint a French charity sector under real pressure, and one that feels that pressure more acutely than most. Nearly eight in ten French charity leaders (78%) now describe the sector as fairly or very unhealthy — more than double the global average of 34%, and a further decline from last year's already sobering 68%. Behind this lies a familiar and persistent worry: financial sustainability, cited by two-thirds of charities as their top challenge, almost unchanged from last year. This is not a fleeting concern but a structural one, closely tied to shrinking public subsidies and an uncertain political environment.

How charities are funded is key. Ninety-six percent of funding comes from within the country, compared with 77% globally, and 70% of French charities receive funding from the Government — nearly double the 41% global average. It is a uniquely domestic, state-dependent model and one where flexibility is limited, as 68% of funding is restricted to specific projects, above the 64% global average. Even if this marks a slight easing from last year's 72%. Demand for services keeps climbing, and French charities are finding it harder to absorb than their global counterparts — 39% call it difficult to manage compared to 30% worldwide.

None of this, however, diminishes the sector's underlying resolve. Seven in ten French charities rate collaboration within civil society as fairly or very good — slightly ahead of the global average. And when asked what would empower them most, charity leaders' responses were clear and concrete: they mostly ask for help with networking (56%) and for funders to ask less of them (52%). These are practical and achievable requests. As you explore the data below, I would encourage you to keep in mind that the current challenges facing France's charity sector are linked to resources, not to the will or commitment to serve the common good. Our thanks go to them for that unwavering commitment.