Unleashing corporate sponsorship to support local associations

At a time when France has 3 million poor children, the majority of whom are condemned to lifelong poverty, we urgently need to join forces to give everyone the same chance to succeed. Businesses can play a major role in this fight. Break Poverty Foundation is proposing an essential step forward in the construction of new territorial solidarities with a bill to simplify economic life. Find out how this initiative promises to transform local solidarity.

DAT: a unique scheme to mobilize companies in support of regional solidarity

As part of its fight to strengthen corporate commitment to disadvantaged young people, Break Poverty Foundation has been implementing the Dotation d’Action Territoriale (DAT) since 2018. This scheme encourages companies to allocate part of their net income to projects to combat youth poverty in their territory, in partnership with local associations. Thanks to this initiative, companies are actively helping to build a more cohesive and inclusive future for their communities: 39% of the companies involved are making their first social sponsorship donation via DAT Break Poverty.

Since its creation, the DAT has been a resounding success, mobilizing some 160 companies in France. By 2026, 100,000 vulnerable young people will be supported by the DAT across 40 territories. DAT has been part of the National Strategy to Combat Poverty since 2018. In 2022, it has been incorporated into the national roadmap for the “Companies are Committed” scheme, and in 2023 into the “Solidarity Pact”.

Sponsorship hampered by complex and unhelpful obligations to declarations

While corporate sponsorship represents a major change for the future of our regions, it is often hampered by multiple, complex and unhelpful reporting obligations. In order to free up corporate sponsorship, Break Poverty Foundation is proposing an amendment to the bill to simplify economic life.

This amendment proposes to abolish the reporting obligation set out in article 238 bis 6 of the French General Tax Code (i.e. to declare to the authorities the amount, date, identity of the beneficiary, and the calculation of the consideration granted to the company making the donation), and to replace it with a reference to corporate philanthropy in the company’s management report.

This amendment, supported by France Générosités, has already been taken up by several senators. It will shortly be discussed by a special commission.

By promoting communication on corporate philanthropy in the company management report, this amendment encourages companies to make an active commitment to the fight against inequality and social determinism. By highlighting their social contribution in their management reports, corporate sponsors are helping to develop the involvement of all companies in their territories alongside disadvantaged young people, strengthening their presence within their communities and helping to build a more cohesive future for all.

Corporate sponsorship, a source of concrete, measurable regional synergies

By freeing corporate sponsorship from burdensome administrative constraints, this amendment aims to boost solidarity actions in our territories. Thanks to corporate philanthropy in favor of youth and territorial development, we are working to create a positive, tangible impact in our communities. And the results prove it: on average, in each territory where Break Poverty supports a DAT, 2,500 young people are supported through the commitment of around 15 local companies.

Local corporate philanthropy is therefore an essential lever for strengthening social and regional cohesion. By investing in local community projects, companies help to create strong links within local communities and build a future where our poor children do not become poor adults.

Local corporate philanthropy is therefore an essential lever for strengthening social and territorial cohesion. By investing in local community projects, companies help to create strong links within local communities and build a future where our poor children do not become poor adults.

 

Photos credits : Assemblée Nationale et David Henry (Pexels).