---
title: Foundation
description: A Foundation is a legal entity without members. It is equipped with assets that are dedicated to the long-term and sustainable fulfilment of a purpose defined by the founder.
---

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# Foundation

A **Foundation** is a legal entity without members. It is equipped with assets that are dedicated to the long-term and sustainable fulfilment of a purpose defined by the founder.

In Germany, this corresponds to a Stiftung. A Foundation differs from an Association because it has no members. It also differs from companies and partnerships because it is centered on dedicated assets and a defined purpose rather than shareholders, partners, or members.

In [North Data Power Search](https://www.northdata.com/), legal forms can be used as filters to limit search results to specific types of organizations, such as [stock corporations](https://help.northdata.com/en/center/stock-corporation-public-limited-company-?hsLang=en), [limited liability companies](https://help.northdata.com/en/center/limited-liability-company?hsLang=en), [partnerships](https://help.northdata.com/en/center/general-partnership-?hsLang=en), [cooperatives](https://help.northdata.com/en/center/genossenschaft?hsLang=en), [associations](https://help.northdata.com/en/center/verein?hsLang=en), or foundations. The available filters depend on the selected country and include both widely used legal forms and country-specific legal forms covered by North Data. 

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