Fondation de France Collects Donations After Heatwaves and Wildfires

Paris – 30 July 2026: Fondation de France has launched a nationwide appeal for donations for people suffering from the recent heatwaves and wildfires. According to the foundation, France has experienced historic temperatures; since the beginning of the year, almost 98,000 hectares have been destroyed by fires. In addition to incoming donations, the organization is initially providing 300,000 euros for relief efforts in the affected areas.

The money is to go to partner organizations that work directly with those affected. Priority will be given to people whose homes, income or daily lives have been impacted by fires and extreme heat. Emergency responders and professionals in particularly hard-hit regions are also to receive support, including firefighters and healthcare workers. The foundation sees its initiative as a complement to national and municipal assistance.

In a second phase, Fondation de France plans to support reconstruction and the economic stabilization of people who have been particularly severely affected. It cites small farms, craft businesses and sociocultural associations as possible recipients. This will be supplemented by longer-term projects aimed at reducing climate risks and better adapting homes and living environments to high temperatures and the growing risk of fires.

The organization relies on a network of more than 10,000 partner organizations in France. This structure is intended to enable funds to be distributed according to regional and specific needs. Franceinfo reports, citing the foundation, that 1.5 million euros have already been collected. Fondation de France’s official statement confirms, in any case, the initial allocation of 300,000 euros.

The appeal follows weeks of considerable strain caused by high temperatures. At the beginning of July, Santé publique France again identified significant health impacts from the June heatwave and the immediately following warm spell. Older people, children, people with pre-existing conditions, and people living or working in precarious conditions with little protection from the heat are particularly at risk.

Wildfires also leave damage that extends beyond firefighting operations. Evacuated households need temporary accommodation and advice; agricultural businesses may lose crops, buildings or their livelihoods. Local associations must also continue or reorganize their social and cultural services under difficult conditions.

The donations received are therefore intended to cover urgent needs initially, while later also financing reconstruction and preparedness. According to the foundation, its local partners decide which forms of assistance are most urgently needed in each case. The effort therefore ranges from immediate support for affected households to the long-term stabilization of local structures.