foundation
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foundation
An organization established with certain assets in order to pursue a charitable, philanthropic, cultural, or scientific purpose.
Die Stiftung fördert junge Künstlerinnen und Künstler mit Stipendien.
The foundation supports young artists with scholarships.
The noun 'Stiftung' (foundation) is derived directly from the verb 'stiften'. 'Stiften' means to found or donate something, often with a long-term, charitable goal. A 'Stiftung' is therefore the result of this act of 'Stiften'.
Der Unternehmer wollte einen Teil seines Vermögens für einen guten Zweck stiften.
The entrepreneur wanted to donate part of his assets to a good cause.
Common verbs used with 'Stiftung' (foundation) in its modern meaning are 'eine Stiftung gründen' (to found a foundation) or 'errichten' (to establish). You can also say 'eine Stiftung unterstützen' (to support a foundation) or 'von einer Stiftung gefördert werden' (to be supported by a foundation).
Viele soziale Projekte werden von gemeinnützigen Stiftungen unterstützt.
Many social projects are supported by charitable foundations.
Foundations are often described more precisely in order to make their purpose clear. Common adjectives are 'gemeinnützig' (charitable/nonprofit), 'privat' (private), 'öffentlich-rechtlich' (public-law), 'kulturell' (cultural), or 'sozial' (social).
Sie arbeitet für eine private Stiftung, die sich für den Umweltschutz einsetzt.
She works for a private foundation that is committed to environmental protection.
You can usually recognize the rarer meaning 'Gründungsakt' (act of founding) from the historical context. It often appears in connection with years or old institutions such as monasteries, cities, or universities.
Die Urkunde belegt die Stiftung der Universität im Jahre 1472.
The document proves the founding of the university in the year 1472.
club / association
'der Verein' and 'die Stiftung' are both organizations, often with a social, cultural, or charitable goal. A 'Verein' mainly consists of members who come together because of a shared interest, for example for sports or culture. A 'Stiftung' is based on assets that are used for a specific purpose. The words can be confused because both can organize something good or something shared. When members and taking part together are important, 'Verein' fits; when money or assets for a purpose are at the center, 'Stiftung' fits.
Die Stiftung unterstützt Kinder mit Geld für den Musikunterricht.
The foundation supports children with money for music lessons.
Im Park stellt sich der neue Verein aus der Nachbarschaft vor.
In the park, the new neighborhood association is introducing itself.