Restos du Cœur urged to launch an extraordinary fundraising campaign in 2023, according to the Court of Auditors' recommendation.
Restos du cœur Slammed for Failing to Utilize Reserves: Report
It's apparent that Restos du cœur could've dipped deeper into their reserves back in 2023 instead of pinning their hopes solely on the French public's generosity and the state for their survival, as per a report unveiled by the Court of Auditors on June 19, 2025. According to the report, this charitable organization dedicated to aiding the less fortunate could've more effectively utilized its precautionary reserves to mitigate economic and social challenges before seeking public support, especially that of the government.
In the wake of this revelation, Restos du cœur had admitted to their financial vulnerability in September 2023 and rolled out an exceptional fundraising campaign. In a time where costs were edging up due to inflation, the association, born in 1985 by the late Coluche, claimed they had been overwhelmed by the increasing demand for assistance.
Exercising "Rigorous Caution"
The predictions made by Restos du cœur, which suggested a potential cumulative deficit of 250 million euros over three years, were deemed "too alarmist" by the Court of Auditors. They attributed this to "excessively cautious hypotheses" that ultimately led to increased government aid. In total, this additional assistance, combined with public donations, enabled the association to maintain a hefty reserve covering six months of their operations [1].
Restos du cœur continues to advocate for maintaining reserves over a prolonged period, asserting that it's essential to meet the needs of the people they assist during difficult times. The Court of Auditors further suggests that the state adjust the amount of its subsidies to reflect the association's precautionary reserves to minimize the reliance on external aid.
In light of the report by the Court of Auditors, it's crucial for Restos du cœur to exercise more prudence in utilizing their reserves, given the impact on general-news such as inflation and the finance sector. The association's predictions of a cumulative deficit, based on overly cautious hypotheses, have led to increased government aid, highlighting the need for a balance between precautionary reserves and addressing immediate business challenges.
