What types of projects does the Fonds de Dotation Roullier support?
Every year, the Fonds de Dotation Roullier supports new research programmes in France and abroad. These projects are led by organisations recognised for their expertise and activities related to agriculture: research associations, university chairs, agronomy research centres, etc.
A philanthropy committed to soil for sustainable agriculture
A particular focus is placed on agricultural soils, with the aim of improving knowledge through research and supporting sustainable improvements in practices.
By specifically funding soil research projects, the Fonds de Dotation Roullier aims to help all stakeholders in the agricultural sector move forward. This commitment aims to guarantee soil fertility, support the development of the best possible yields and make a lasting contribution to global food security.
The Fonds de Dotation Roullier supports research programmes that promote a better understanding of soils and the life they harbour. This knowledge aims to provide concrete answers to the challenges facing the agricultural world today. The objective is clear: to inform, support and accompany the improvement of practices in order to build a more resilient, sustainable and better-informed agriculture.
A philanthropic fund active since 2016
Created in 2016, the Fonds de Dotation Roullier finances and supports projects of general interest in France and internationally. It supports innovative initiatives, ambitious research programmes and awareness-raising activities aimed at strengthening sustainable agriculture.
Over the years, its patronage has become more focused around a shared goal: to finance high-quality work, encourage experimentation and bring together stakeholders from research, education and the field.
In 2025, a new dynamic was created with the structuring of sponsorship around annual calls for proposals, in order to enhance the transparency, impact and consistency of its actions.
How to obtain funding for your project through the Fonds de Dotation Roullier
The Fonds de Dotation Roullier now only funds projects through its calls for proposals.
To apply for funding, project leaders (associations, public research or public interest organisations) must respond to one of the calls for proposals published on our website. Each call specifies its objectives, eligibility criteria, and application procedures and deadlines in a downloadable set of specifications.
Submitted projects must be in line with the Fonds de Dotation Roullier’s mission, which focuses on sustainable agriculture and the knowledge, preservation and study of soils, whether in terms of their physical and chemical properties or their biological life.
These themes are reflected in our calls for proposals, such as the calls for proposals soils Research and the calls for proposals Pedagogy.
Only applications that meet the criteria defined in the specifications and submitted in response to a call for proposals will be considered.
2025: first call for proposals dedicated to soil research
The year 2025 marked an important milestone with the launch of the first call for proposals dedicated to soil research, designed to support work over a period of three to five years. Two winners were selected from this call for proposals.
The first project, RECLAIMSOL, is coordinated by the University of Calgary in Canada. It focuses on the restoration of agricultural land affected by salinity and sodicity in the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, two regions heavily impacted by the effects of climate change. The aim is to restore the productivity of these soils by developing innovative and robust solutions.
The second winner, INFEROMICS, is led by the UMR Agroecology laboratory at the University of Burgundy Europe. It aims to develop new microbial indicators to better assess the microbiological functioning of agricultural soils. By deepening our understanding of microbial communities, this project paves the way for more accurate diagnostics and better adapted agricultural practices.
2026: a new impetus with two complementary calls for proposals: Soil Research and Pedagogy
In 2026, the Fonds de Dotation Roullier is continuing and expanding its commitment with the launch of two new calls for proposals.
The first is a new edition of the call for proposals dedicated to soil research, with funding of between €200,000 and €400,000 for a period of three to five years. Open to international applicants, it refocuses its scope on the ecosystem services provided by soils and on innovations designed to improve their quality.
The second call, which is new, breaks new ground in the field of pedagogy. With a budget of €100,000, it aims to support the implementation of innovative, active and engaging educational programmes. The objective is to help learners and teaching teams to promote practices that respect natural resources. Innovative projects, supported by concrete tools funded over a year, will be particularly valued. They may, for example, focus on soil, water, biodiversity or any other lever that enhances the sustainability of agricultural systems.
A redesigned application process to enhance quality and access
Calls for proposals are published on our dedicated page:
- Soil Research Calls for Proposals, dedicated to ambitious, multi-partner scientific projects of general interest, in France and internationally, receiving financial support for 3 to 5 years
- Calls for proposals Pedagogy, which support innovative educational initiatives that actively engage learners and teaching teams in promoting practices that respect natural resources and enhance the sustainability of agricultural systems.
In order to provide more effective support to applicants, while ensuring a rigorous and fair selection process, calls for proposals launched in 2026 are now based on a two-stage process.
Project leaders first submit a concept note, which is reviewed to assess the consistency, interest and potential of the proposed project. Preselected applicants are then invited to submit additional documentation and present their project during a 30-minute interview with a panel of experts.
This progressive format streamlines the initial application phase and ensures more tailored support, while maintaining high scientific standards and rigour.
Other possible sources of funding
Public subsidies, often granted by the State or local authorities, can also be used to fund projects of general interest for associations or other public or private organisations, often in the form of calls for proposals. You can therefore also contact your local elected representatives to assess whether your association or research project is eligible for funding.
Foundations and endowment funds can provide you with additional resources to finance your organisation’s project. Do not hesitate to contact them to see if partnerships can be established between your organisation and a sponsorship body. The financing terms and conditions are specific to each organisation, so you will need to contact each one to find out about their financing terms and conditions.
You can also appeal to the generosity of civil society. There are many crowdfunding platforms that specialise in specific areas (for example, non-profit organisations, individuals, etc.) or are more general in nature.
Finally, certain initiatives enable self-financing through membership fees, contributions, participation in events, lucrative activities, etc. This provides a secure source of income and contributes to the sustainability of the project.