The first fund dedicated to protecting the public interest through law
The Intérêt à Agir Fund supports civil society legal actions and helps defend against SLAPP and attacks on freedom of association.
The Intérêt à Agir Fund supports civil society legal actions and helps defend against SLAPP and attacks on freedom of association.
To empower everyone to seek justice, drive social change, and defend their rights to freedom of expression and association.
Fundamental freedoms are under growing pressure. To sustain legal actions in defense of the public interest and to resist SLAPP, civil socitey organisations urgently need support to cover their legal costs.
120 000€
This is the estimated average cost of a strategic litigation case, depending on the complexity of the case
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Strategic litigation, meaning legal action undertaken by civil society organization to defend the public interest, has in recent years become a key instrument for social, environmental, and democratic change. Complementing advocacy and awareness-raising, it enables judges to recognize violations of fundamental rights and secure redress, while exerting a lasting influence on public policy and economic practices.
However, only a few civil society organizations currently have the financial and legal resources necessary to pursue such actions, due to a lack of support from donors. As a result, many just causes remain unrepresented.
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3rd
France is the third most affected country in the European Union by SLAPP.
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SLAPP are multiplying in France, weakening democracy by seeking to silence journalists, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders. By weaponizing the justice system, these actions aim to intimidate and financially exhaust those who work in the public interest. Often based on unfounded or abusive claims, they compel media outlets and civil society organizations to devote their time, energy and resources to defense rather than to investigation or advocacy. In the absence of protective mechanisms in France, many organizations find themselves powerless in the face of these attacks, which directly threaten freedom of expression and public debate.
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To provide civil society organizations with the resources they need to pursue large-scale actions in defense of the public interest.
To safeguard civil society organizations from legal intimidation intended to suppress their voice.
To challenge in court any restrictions by public authorities that infringe on the fundamental right of association.
To measure the effectiveness of legal actions undertaken to defend the public interest and fundamental rights.
The IAA Fund has provided financial support for the legal action “Stop the Silent Springs” led by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO) and Intérêt à Agir.
This action seeks compensation for the ecological damage caused by the loss of more than 30% of farmland birds since the 1990s, resulting from the marketing of imidacloprid.
The case is currently ongoing at the Lyon court.
The IAA Fund has financed research and legal expertise on topics such as product liability and digital accessibility.
You become an active contributor to a fairer and more equitable society.
You help strengthen the rule of law and protect fundamental freedoms.
You pool your resources with other partners for greater collective impact.
You support concrete actions selected for their rigor and transformative potential.
If you are a French resident, all donation are eligible for a 66% tax deduction*: a €100 donation actually costs only €34.
* up to 20% of taxable income
The Intérêt à Agir Endowment Fund was created in 2020 by a group of legal professionals (professors, lawyers, attorneys) committed to enabling civil society organizations to take legal action to defend common goods and the public interest.
The Endowment Fund's first action was to finance the creation and development of the eponymous association Intérêt à Agir, which brings together the expertise of lawyers, practitioners, and academics to support civil society organizations in launching strategic litigation.
Today, the Fund aims to provide financial support to a wider range of actors in their legal matters.
The Board
The Board is responsible for approving grants for strategic litigation and defense against SLAPP and against attacks on freedom of association. It is composed of recognized figures in the field of strategic litigation and the defense of freedom of expression and association.
Eléonore Delatouche
President
Former lawyer, president and founder of Intérêt à Agir, and expert in strategic litigation.
Jean-Baptiste Jobard
Board member
General Coordinator of the Collectif des association citoyennes, and member of the Observatoire des libertés associatives.
Peggy Pascal
Board member
Co-founder of La Cause, specialist in the non-profit sector and organizational support.
The secretariat
The Secretariat is responsible for the operations and day-to-day management of the Endowment Fund. It reports to the Board.
Sophie Lemaître
PhD in Law, specialist in corruption and violations of freedoms, author of “Réduire au silence”.
See declaration of interests
Eléonore Delatouche
President
Former lawyer, president and founder of Intérêt à Agir, and expert in strategic litigation.
Jean-Baptiste Jobard
Board member
General Coordinator of the Collectif des association citoyennes, and member of the Observatoire des libertés associatives.
Peggy Pascal
Board member
Co-founder of La Cause, specialist in the non-profit sector and organizational support.
Sophie Lemaître
PhD in Law, specialist in corruption and violations of freedoms, author of “Réduire au silence”.
You can send us a request so that we can assess your needs and the possibility of applying for funding.
Do you intend to pursue legal action in defense of the public interest ?
Are you subject to legal proceedings aimed at silencing you or undermining your credibility ?
Have you experienced restrictions imposed by public authorities or local governments ?
We can work together to build a framework that gives full meaning to your contribution and greater strength to our collective action.
You can contribute in many ways.
By joining our community of supporters, you take concrete action to defend fundamental freedoms and the public interest.
You may, for instance, allocate 1% of your annual revenue to justice, sponsor a strategic case, or help cover the legal expenses of a human rights defender.
Each contribution strengthens our ability to protect those who stand up for the common good.