Founded in 1795, the Institut de France is the oldest and most prestigious institution involved in providing sponsorship and managing donations and bequests. With the five Académies of the Institut de France (French Academy, Academy of Humanities, Academy of Sciences, Academy of Fine Arts, Academy of Moral and Political Sciences), its primary mission is to contribute on a non-profit basis to perfecting and disseminating literature, the sciences and the arts.
It also encourages initiatives in the fields of knowledge and philanthropy, awarding prizes and grants thanks to donations, bequests and support provided by individuals and businesses. In return, these parties benefit from the experience of a secular sponsorship organisation and the expertise of the Academics.
