French solidarity NGOs warn of looming closures amid shrinking public funds

A recent poll conducted by the Federation of Solidarity Actors, which represents 900 member organisations, reveals that roughly one third of French solidarity NGOs could disappear because they have less than two months of operating cash. The study, based on questionnaires and financial audits, shows a sharp decline in public subsidies, with more than three quarters of respondents noting cuts in 2025 and expected reductions in 2026.

As a result, almost half of the organisations have either reduced or halted at least one of their programmes, leading to staff layoffs. Pascal Brice, the federation's president, described the situation as a threat to a key pillar of national cohesion and called on the government to act in forthcoming budget discussions. He also announced a coordinated national mobilisation, organised by Uniopss, to take place in October, including protests and service closures, with a rally planned in Paris outside the National Assembly.