Governance

Detailed governance

• (1) Mission

  The Fondation des États-Unis (FEU) is an independent foundation recognised as being of public utility (FRUP) in France. Its mission, as defined by its legal status, consists in particular of:

  • Contribute to the mission of intellectual and moral cohesion pursued by the founders of the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris (CIUP), within the framework of the agreement between the Chancellery of the Universities of Paris and the Fondation nationale de la Cité internationale universitaire de Paris;
  • Manage, preserve, maintain and, where necessary, improve, in accordance with the agreement between it and the Chancellery of the Universities of Paris, the building known as the Fondation des États-Unis, as a site of American historical heritage on French territory;
  • To welcome students, in accordance with the deed of donation and the common admission rules defined by the general regulations of the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris (CIUP), in order to enable them to benefit from residence at the CIUP;
  • To welcome researchers, teachers, artists or accomplished athletes coming to Paris for research or further training. These individuals are considered students by the FEU, subject to compliance with its internal regulations and the general regulations of the CIUP;
  • To organise the participation of residents in the life of the FEU and the CIUP;

  To promote international cultural diplomacy and artistic initiatives in a spirit of tolerance,

• (2) Director

  In accordance with Article 9 of the statutes of the Fondation des États-Unis, the director of the foundation is a full-time professor at one of the universities in Paris. She is the legal representative and public face of the FEU, a non-profit organisation governed by French law. Residing on site in an apartment provided by the foundation, without any other compensation or remuneration, and ensuring a permanent presence, the director is appointed for a renewable three-year term, up to a maximum of nine years. The director is responsible for the management and smooth running of the FEU’s operations. She has the powers necessary to carry out the foundation’s mission, as delegated by the president and treasurer. In particular, the chair of the board of directors delegates to her all the operational, administrative and financial tasks necessary for the day-to-day management of the foundation, as well as the implementation of the decisions of the board of directors, the executive committee and the chair. The director performs her duties on a voluntary basis and works closely with the executive committee on the strategic direction, monitoring and accountability of the FEU. She manages the employees and supervises the work of contractors and external entities under contract with the foundation (cleaning, security, maintenance, works, renovation, green spaces, etc.).

• (3) Board of Directors

  When the FEU was founded, its founders Homer and Mabel Gage wanted the board of directors to be chaired by the rector of the Paris Academy and chancellor of universities, at the time Mr Charléty. This decision reflected the desire to integrate the FEU into the Universities of Paris and to promote joint projects and exchanges between American students studying in Paris and French and international students. The FEU is therefore chaired by the Rector of the Paris Academy. Since 2010, the FEU has been one of hundreds of recognised public interest foundations (FRUP) in France, around twenty of which are located at the CiuP. Its board is composed of ex officio members (who are appointed by virtue of their position) and qualified individuals (chosen for their specific professional skills and knowledge).

  As an independent foundation within the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris, the FEU has its own board of directors and autonomous finances. Its status as a recognised public interest foundation guarantees the transparency of its management and allows it to carry out fundraising activities as a non-profit organisation.

• (4) Public service mission

  The FEU is an independent, non-profit institution driven by the conviction that creativity, dialogue and encounters between individuals foster cooperation, curiosity and the development of tomorrow’s citizens.

  Thanks to the generosity of French and American patrons, brought together through the Giving Circle, the Foundation is able to implement its development initiatives, strengthen its support for artist residencies, develop innovative, high-impact programmes, preserve its Art Deco heritage and create unique spaces conducive to collaboration, inspiration and the emergence of new ideas.

  Supporting the FEU means contributing to a unique mission in a unique, vibrant and humanistic place that is open to the public and collaborates with numerous friends and partners in a spirit of unity and an incomparable atmosphere, while celebrating Franco-American friendship, the founding value and guiding principle of the institution. Joining the Foundation means participating in the creation of transformative experiences that touch everyone, promote exchange and enrich cultural and intellectual life.

  Every contribution, whether made from France via HelloAsso or from the United States via Myriad, helps to strengthen this vibrant place of exchange and creativity. All donations are fully tax deductible and directly contribute to the FEU’s mission.