In a context of shifting public funding for CSOs and evolving frameworks for civic space and civic freedoms, the role of private giving within CSO models has come into question.

Yet, French research on philanthropy and CSOs rarely explores, at the intersection of these two fields, the relationship between private funding and civil society organisations (CSOs). Actors themselves report a lack of mutual understanding between the philanthropic and civil society sectors, as well as a lack of recognition for their shared contribution to society and democracy. Rethinking and strengthening these ties is therefore a key priority for the future.

Based on these findings, the French Institute for Civil Society Organisations launched a working group bringing together around 50 actors from the CSO and philanthropic sectors—representatives of these sectors, supporting structures, public officials, and researchers—to explore knowledge needs related to the relationship between private funding and CSOs.

Following this, we published a white paper in early April 2025 (in French) presenting the results and recommendations for future research that could support the actors involved in private funding.

On this occasion, we organised a webinar on April 8, 2025, entitled “Private Funding and CSOs: Towards New Relations,” where we presented our conclusions and discussed current challenges.