Find the participative sponsorship site best suited to your values
Choosing the right sponsorship site will determine the success of your sponsorship strategy. Each platform has its own values, business model and level of support. Some focus on culture, others on solidarity or the environment. Fees vary, as do the management of tax receipts and project follow-up. Finding a platform that is aligned with your mission, vision and objectives will help you mobilize consistent, sustainable donations.
In this article, we'll show you how to select a philanthropy site that matches your values and needs. You'll also learn why certain platforms, such as MecenUS, stand out for their transparency, ease of use and compliance with the legal framework for philanthropy.
What is a participative sponsorship site?
A participatory philanthropy website puts public-interest organizations in touch with sponsors.
Associations, foundations and public institutions can present their projects on the site, and individuals and companies are free to fund them through donations.
The major difference with classic participatory financing lies in the purpose.
Here, the aim is not to sell or promise a return, but to support a cultural, social, educational, environmental or medical cause.
Each donation is accompanied by an official tax receipt.
This document entitles sponsors to a tax deduction:
- 66% for individuals (article 200 of the French General Tax Code).
- 60% for companies, with a reduced rate of 40% above 2 million euros of donations, according to article 238 bis of the French General Tax Code.
Essential criteria for choosing your platform
The right corporate philanthropy site should reflect your values and simplify your management. Here are the criteria to evaluate before launching your campaign.
1. Legal compliance and issuing tax receipts
Ensure that the platform complies with the French sponsorship framework (law of August 1, 2003).
It must verify that your organization is in the public interest, and automatically issue Cerfa tax receipts.
Example: on MecenUS, this stage is fully automated and validated before the project goes online.
2. Transparency and traceability of donations
A participative sponsorship site must guarantee clear traceability of donations: confirmation of payment, identity of the sponsor (if consent has been given) and allocation of funds to the beneficiary structure.
In operating sponsorship, there is no fundraising target to be reached as in a classic campaign. Monitoring therefore focuses on the proper receipt of donations and their administrative processing.
Patrons want to understand how their contributions are being used. A transparent platform builds trust and encourages regular donations.
3. Costs and business model
Compare the commissions charged on donations. Some platforms charge up to 8% of the amount donated. Others, such as MecenUS, charge no commission on donations and operate with a transparent subscription fee, with no hidden charges.
Cost transparency remains an essential criterion for associations with limited budgets.
4. Human support
A good website is more than just a technical tool.
Personalized support before, during and after the campaign is essential.
This can include checking the file, communication advice or assistance with tax issues.
5. Value alignment
Choose a platform whose mission is similar to yours.
Some focus on culture, others on the environment or solidarity.
An ethical organization will find it more meaningful to collaborate with a committed player who shares its vision of sustainable giving.
6. User experience
The simplicity of the donation process has a direct impact on the conversion rate.
The donation process must be fluid, fast and secure, with just a few clicks.
In short: a good corporate philanthropy site combines security, transparency, support and shared values.
Participatory sponsorship or crowdfunding: what's the difference?
These two approaches may seem similar, but their logic and taxation are opposite.
Crowdfunding finances all kinds of projects: commercial, artistic or personal. Contributors often participate in exchange for a product, service or mention. This model is based on exchange, and offers no tax advantages.
Participatory sponsorship, on the other hand, supports actions of general interest: culture, solidarity, education, the environment. Donations are disinterested, with no commercial return. Patrons act out of conviction, and benefit from a tax reduction of 66% (individuals) or 60% (companies).
| Criteria | Crowdfunding | Participatory sponsorship |
| Objective | Financing a personal or business project | Supporting a mission of general interest |
| Consideration | Product or service | Symbolic thanks |
| Taxation | No deduction | Up to 66% tax reduction |
| Legal framework | Order of May 30, 2014 | Law of August 1, 2003 |
| Target audience | Consumers, fans | Patrons, committed companies |
Examples of platforms and their positioning
Not all crowdfunding platforms offer sponsorship. Some are for business or creative projects. Others only support causes of general interest. Here's a clear overview.
HelloAsso - Associative financing, but not tax sponsorship
- For associations looking for a simple, free solution.
- No mandatory fees: the model is based on tips left by contributors.
- Platform for collecting subscriptions, memberships or traditional donations.
- Does not offer participative sponsorship for tax purposes: no Cerfa receipts for donors.
A good choice for an association that wants to raise funds easily, but not for a general interest sponsorship campaign.
Ulule and KissKissBankBank
Their campaigns cover all types of projects: culture, fashion, innovation.
They operate on an all-or-nothing principle: if the objective is not reached, donations are reimbursed.
These platforms come under the heading of commercial crowdfunding, not sponsorship.
Proarti
Platform dedicated to cultural and heritage projects.
Allows you to collect tax-deductible donations.
An excellent example of sector-based participatory patronage in the arts.
MecenUS - The platform 100% dedicated to corporate philanthropy
MecenUS is a French platform entirely dedicated to participative philanthropy. It puts non-profit organizations and sponsors in direct contact, with no unnecessary intermediaries.
Donations are traceable, tax-exempt, and Cerfa tax receipts are generated automatically.
MecenUS is distinguished by three strong pillars:
- Total transparency: each donation is tracked in real time; no commission is deducted from the amounts received.
- Human support: the team guides structures, even those without legal skills or in-house resources.
- Turnkey tool: easy to use, designed for organizations with no sponsorship department or dedicated staff.
Unique market positioning
The platform, launched by Mescenes Productions, is aimed at structures wishing to :
- collect sponsorship easily, without technical or legal expertise;
- join a committed community, where each structure gains in visibility thanks to the strength of the collective.
A clear, accessible model
For €180 incl. VAT per year (i.e. €15/month), the structure benefits from :
- a credible online space,
- a permanent presence in the MecenUS ecosystem,
- to be promoted to potential sponsors.
Donations can be made from as little as €1, making sponsorship accessible to everyone, whatever their budget.
Practical tools to boost sales
Each facility receives customized tools for easy communication:
- a ready-to-use QR code (posters, premises, events, objects),
- a sharing link for social networks, website or email,
- a clear public listing, ideal for simply saying:
"We're on MecenUS, you can donate to us there!"
The platform strictly complies with the RGPD: each donation enables the structure to retrieve the contact details of its patrons, to ensure follow-up, loyalty and maintain a lasting link.
| Platform | Type of project | Tax reduction | Fees | Support |
| HelloAsso | Associative | ❌ | 0% (tip) | Limited |
| Ulule / KissKissBankBank | All projects | ❌ | 5 à 8 % | Marketing |
| Proarti | Culture / Heritage | ✅ | Variable | Yes |
| MecenUS | General interest | ✅ | Clear and transparent | Personalized |
If your organization is active in the social, cultural, environmental or sporting fields, MecenUS offers the safest and most coherent framework for developing your patronage.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about participative sponsorship sites
What's the difference between a participatory sponsorship site and a crowdfunding site?
Crowdfunding finances commercial or creative projects, often with compensation.
Participatory sponsorship only supports actions of general interest, and offers a tax reduction.
Is it possible to obtain a tax receipt via a participative sponsorship site?
Yes, provided that the beneficiary organization is eligible for sponsorship under the 2003 law.
On platforms such as MecenUS, Cerfa tax receipts are generated automatically.
Are donations secure on these sites?
Yes, the platforms use secure payments and ensure transaction traceability. Each donation is paid directly to the beneficiary organization.
Serious platforms are registered with ORIAS, which guarantees a rigorous legal framework.
Who can use a participative sponsorship site?
Non-profit associations, foundations, local authorities or public establishments.
Corporate sponsors can also directly support the projects of their choice.
Why choose MecenUS rather than another platform?
MecenUS is 100% dedicated to participative sponsorship.
The platform verifies eligibility, issues Cerfa receipts and ensures full compliance.
It offers a simple tool, with no commission on donations, and human support.
Your organization gains visibility and can receive donations from as little as €1.
Choose a corporate philanthropy site that reflects your values
Finding the right corporate philanthropy site means above all finding a partner you can trust.
A good tool doesn't just collect donations: it protects your mission, respects your patrons and enhances your impact.
Platforms vary in their approach. Some focus on free access, others on visibility or ease of use. But few guarantee legal compliance, traceability of donations and human support.+ cf community
MecenUS embodies this vision of modern philanthropy: simple, transparent and ethical.
Each project is checked before being put online. Tax receipts are issued automatically. Structures benefit from personalized follow-up to maximize their success.
Whether you're a cultural association, an environmental organization, a social or educational structure, you can create your sponsorship space today.
Take action now: discover MecenUS and open your own sponsorship page.
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