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.
founding
The formal act of founding or establishing an institution. This meaning is less common today and is used more in historical or legal contexts.
Die Stiftung des Klosters geht auf das 12. Jahrhundert zurück.
The founding of the monastery dates back to the 12th century.
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.
founding / foundation
Stiftung and Gründung can both refer to the act through which an institution comes into existence. Gründung is the general term used today. Stiftung in this sense is less common and appears more often in historical or formal texts, so it is particularly suitable for a presentation with that character.
Eine alte Urkunde berichtet von der Stiftung des Klosters im Jahr 1150.
An old document reports the founding of the monastery in 1150.
Ein aktueller Bericht beschreibt die Gründung des Vereins im Jahr 2020.
A current report describes the founding of the association in 2020.
