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private foundation

private foundation

4 4.8
A charity that gets most of its money from one person or company
  • noun
  • /ˈpraɪvɪt faʊnˈdeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : fundación privada
  • A favorable political climate and funding from major private foundations are adding support to the movement.
  • private foundation grants
  • private foundation funding
  • private foundation scholarship

We have a foundation, like a private foundation that I can donate money into.

Examples

  • For childhood cancers, virtually all research funding comes from the National Cancer Institute, private foundations, and philanthropic sources.

    Academic text (2016)
  • I found a private foundation belonging to two Mexican brothers, with a lot of money.

  • The board receives its funding through grants from private foundations and federal funds.

    Academic text (2015)
  • His work exemplified growing collaboration between private foundations and governmental agencies.

    Academic text (2011)
  • The split between public charities and private foundations is an important division among 501(c)(3) organizations.

    Academic text (2017)
  • A new 501(c)(3) organization is presumed to be a private foundation unless it presents evidence to the contrary.

    Academic text (2017)
  • The data presented is based on mandated tax filings to the IRS by all private foundations that have filed with the IRS.

    Academic text (2016)
  • Many students receive scholarships from a private foundation established by a wealthy family.

  • A private foundation funded the new literacy program to help underprivileged children learn to read.

  • Her research project was supported by a private foundation that specializes in environmental conservation.

Synonyms

foundation
vsprivate foundation
541 3.6

An organization that gives money to support a particular cause

is funded mainly by one source instead of general public donations
nonprofit organization
vsprivate foundation
  • US
27 3.0

A group that helps people or the community without trying to make money

focuses on charitable activity but relies chiefly on a single main funder
philanthropic foundation
vsprivate foundation
1 4.2

An organization that gives money to help people, groups, or schools

receives most funds from one donor rather than broad public support

How Public

public charity
  • Formal
1 3.4
private foundation
  • Specialized
4 4.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

private + foundation

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived: 'private' simply describes the type of 'foundation' (a philanthropic organization) as privately controlled or funded rather than public. This straightforward adjective+noun pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both words should be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Private foundation comes from the idea of a foundation as a base or support and the word private meaning it is started and paid for by one person, family, or company. Imagine a family building the base of a house with their own money — because the help comes mostly from that single private source, a 'private foundation' today means a charity supported mainly by one private source.