The world watched yesterday as Notre Dame Cathedral, a symbol of France and the Catholic Church, burned in a devastating fire that toppled its spire and destroyed most of its wooden roof. The cathedral was in the midst of a large restoration process.
“What we watched burning today was architecture of global importance, an icon containing icons and treasures in a building that survived—in no particular order—crusades, reformation, revolution and two world wars,” says Brian Williams, host of MSNBC’s The 11th Hour.
Large donations are pouring in from French billionaires and companies—as much as $630 million so far.
But the damage to the 850-year-old monument is extensive, so even if you don’t have millions to give, your donations will help as France begins a massive, unprecedented restoration. Fast Company reports three ways to give right now:
Friends of Notre-Dame: With offices in France and the U.S., this is the primary organisation that has raised money for the restoration that was underway. The U.S. branch is a 501c3 public charity, making all gifts tax-deductible for U.S. contributors.
Fondation du Patrimoine: This French nonprofit funds preservation of historic, cultural sites throughout France. It has established a special Notre-Dame rebuilding fund.
Basilica of the National Shrine: The largest Roman Catholic church in North America, situated in Washington, D.C., has launched its own fundraising campaign. U.S. Catholics who want to act within the framework of their faith may find this the most fitting way. (Notre-Dame is a Catholic church, after all.)
In addition, the New York-based French Heritage Society announced a Notre-Dame Fire Restoration Fund on its website:
The hearts of all of us at French Heritage Society go out to the city of Paris and all of France in the wake of the terrible fire at the Notre-Dame Cathedral.
French Heritage Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organisation, has established a fund to accept donations for the restoration work that will be necessary as a result of the devastating fire at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris.
When donating, always research the organisation first to be sure it is reputable. Be wary of unofficial fundraisers that are already popping up on sites like GoFundMe.
Comments
4 responses to “How To Donate To Help Rebuild Notre Dame”
First thing to fund and install should be fire suppression
Was it not insured?
The Catholic Church is quite well off. There are a lot of other causes more in need of donations.
Let the church pay for it. Or have they lost too much money paying for their crimes?
Should we really be making donation to one of the richest organisations in the world, to rebuild a structure that should have been (and likely is) insured?
ffs. enough with the rebuild Notre Dame crap. donate to something actually worthy.