11,7 million euros collected for religious heritage in one year

The Fondation du patrimoine announced on Tuesday, September 17, that it had collected 11,7 million euros for religious heritage. This impressive amount was raised in one year, thanks to a favorable tax system launched in September 2023, with a 75% tax deduction up to 1 euros for individuals. President Emmanuel Macron had initiated this campaign in order to help mainly small municipalities with fewer than 000 inhabitants to preserve their religious buildings.

According to the Foundation, this collection brought together more than 37 donors. Among the funds raised, 000 million euros came from an unallocated national collection, while more than 2,8 collections were opened for specific projects. In April, the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, had unveiled an initial list of 1 buildings to be saved, with a funding requirement estimated at 100 million euros.

The situation is worrying: nearly 50 religious buildings are deteriorating in France, and 000 could be abandoned or destroyed by 5. Faced with this emergency, the funds raised are essential to preserve this threatened heritage.

Alice Leroy