A presentation by Bertrand de Feydeau on the grassroots movement 'Fondation du Patrimoine' and the potential benefit of grassroot support in the battle for the preservation of heritage sites.

1. « Generating grassroots support
for the preservation of our heritage »
Bertrand de Feydeau
Vice-President, Fondation du Patrimoine
Lisbon – June 1st, 2012

2. Everywhere in Europe steps have been taken
to ensure the preservation of our national
heritage.
Three main traditions :
- The Régalienne tradition (France)
- The patronage tradition (Italy)
- The heritage and family tradition (Britain)
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Lisbon, June 1st, 2012

3. But what can be done for our local
heritage ?
- wind and water mills
- communal utility buildings: markets,
wells, laundry facilities
- chapels
- local industrial heritage
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Lisbon, June 1st, 2012

4. France numbers about 50.000 registered
historical monuments, i.e. 1 to 2 for each
of its 36.000 cities and villages.
Alongside these monuments, 300.000
minor buildings and artefacts bear witness
to our local history and traditions.
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5. A heritage that is often neglected and
on the verge of collapse…
…when its preservation could foster
a sense of community at a time when
many feel disenfranchised.
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6. An original initiative by the French state :
the 1997 creation of Fondation du Patrimoine
• Main characteristics
- Initial equity provided by corporates
(both financial and industrial).
- Creation of a network at the region and
departement level.
Today : over 450 volunteers, most of
them former local business leaders.
./…
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Lisbon, June 1st, 2012

7. Initiation of 2 contribution schemes
1. Regarding buildings and monuments
belonging to private individuals :
a specific tax status, granted by the
Fondation with the agreement of the
Architecte des Bâtiments de France ;
the owner benefits from the same tax
advantage as the owner of a registered
Monument Historique.
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8. Initiation of 2 contribution schemes
2. Regarding monuments belonging to local
authorities and associations :
the Fondation du Patrimoine allocates grants
to projects, provided that an governing body
will be created with the dual purpose of both:
- financing the restauration works and
- entertaining the visiting public.
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9. • Birth of a true grassroots
movement.
• A reference for European
heritage.
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10. Visible results
• Grassroots funding alone:
- 3,900 local fundraising initiatives since inception,
900 of which in 2011
- Allocation of grants representing between 5 and 30%
of total project, with financing coming from escheated
estates.
• For the whole of Fondation du Patrimoine over
12 years:
- Support provided to over 16,000 projects
representing a total of € 1.2 Bn of works conducted
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Lisbon, June 1st, 2012