Secours Catholique is a non-profit organisation under the French law of 1901, founded by the assembly of cardinals and bishops of France by decision of 8 September 1946. Its articles of association, which date from 1962, aim to promote the influence of Christian charity by providing help and support wherever it is needed. The share of resources derived from public donations amounts to more than €118 million, or 78 % of the association's total resources (€151 million in 2022, including approximately €13 million in subsidies and public funding). Secours Catholique relies on a network of nearly 60,000 volunteers distributed throughout France in 72 delegations without legal personality. This report highlights the particular status of this organisation in the landscape of associations recognised as being of public interest (ARUP), both in terms of its relationship with the Church and the predominant role of its social missions carried out by volunteers. It analyses compliance with the obligations related to appeals for public donations, in particular communication with donors, which remains too focused on direct material aid, even though this now only represents 21 % of its resources from public donations. The report examines the procedures for collecting donations and bequests, as well as the use of resources generated through public donations.
