Marc Ladreit de Lacharrière joined the Fondation du Patrimoine in 1996, as one of its founding members. The purpose of this foundation, headed by Edouard de Royère, is to help restore and promote the local architectural and cultural heritage in rural areas of France. It therefore works to identify, preserve and embellish parts of the national heritage not protected by the State. In 2001, nearly one hundred projects should benefit from restoration grants from the Fondation du Patrimoine.