foundation

organization

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Last updated

June 26, 2026

Quick Summary

A foundation is a nonprofit organization with assets provided by donors and managed by its own officials for socially useful purposes. These organizations, also known as endowments or charitable trusts, have historical roots in ancient civilizations and have evolved significantly over time.1

Modern foundations are often categorized as community, corporation-sponsored, operating, or independent. They play a crucial role in various sectors, including education, health, science, and social welfare, often working to address societal needs and promote public good. Prominent examples include the Ford Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Carnegie Corporation.1

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business organization
Other forms of business association
…like the limited partnership); the foundation (fondation, Stiftung), a European organization that has social or charitable objects and often carries on a business whose profits are devoted to those objects; and, finally, the cartel, or trade association, which regulates the business activities of its individual members and is itself extensively…
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…like the limited partnership); the foundation (fondation, Stiftung), a European organization that has social or charitable objects and often carries on a business whose profits are devoted to those objects; and, finally, the cartel, or trade association, which regulates the business activities of its individual members and is itself extensively…
Read More