In July 2025, the Coalition for Feminist Philanthropy—of which the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation is a member—published the results of a study conducted by Agence Phare among 127 French philanthropic organizations. This research provides a crucial overview of how gender equality is addressed within the philanthropic sector and highlights the central role women play in it. However, the fight for women’s rights remains severely underfunded.
Funding that remains marginal
Only 7% of funds distributed by French philanthropy—about €140 million per year—are dedicated to gender equality. Among the organizations that claim to support this cause, only a quarter allocate more than half of their budget to it. Conversely, one-third devote less than 10%, revealing a significant gap between stated intentions and actual practices.
Strong female presence, limited influence
The philanthropic sector is predominantly female, with women representing 80% of employees and 52% of board members among the organizations surveyed. Yet, they remain a minority in leadership roles, holding only 40% of presidency positions. The study also shows that organizations led by women are more likely to fund gender equality initiatives—highlighting how strategic representation can amplify the impact of funding.
Diverse practices depending on engagement level
The study identifies different approaches among organizations funding gender equality:
Barriers to fair funding
Three main factors explain the continued underfunding of gender equality. First, a disconnect between discourse and practice: some organizations address gender equality only marginally or through essentialist projects that confine women to stereotypical roles rather than promoting their full autonomy.
Second, genuinely feminist strategic approaches remain rare—only 17% of organizations combine funding, a feminist perspective, and an integrated strategy.
Finally, a broader context marked by growing conservatism, declining public funding, and the rise of anti-rights movements has led some actors to take more cautious stances.
The Coalition for Feminist Philanthropy: acting together
Since 2021, the Coalition has brought together 12 philanthropic actors committed to transforming the funding of gender equality in France. Alongside foundations such as Focus 2030, Fondation des Femmes, Médecins du Monde Foundation, Endometriosis Research Foundation, L’Oréal Fund for Women, Kering Foundation, and Mirova Foundation, the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation actively contributes to:
The commitment of the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation
The Foundation reaffirms its belief that philanthropy can serve as a strategic lever to support feminist movements and advance gender equality. This study reinforces the urgent need for action.
Increasing funding for gender equality is not an option—it’s a necessity. Together, through the Coalition for Feminist Philanthropy, we can turn philanthropy into a powerful engine for equality.
Read the full summary of the study here.
