IV.

Outside the United States

In contrast to the United States, the scope and endowments of foundations in Canada are small. The functions of the Canadian foundations, most of which were established after 1940, are similar to those of U.S. institutions.

In the United Kingdom there are a number of major foundations similar in approach to those in the United States, including the Wellcome Trust, Nuffield Foundation, Wolfson Foundation, and Pilgrim Trust. Many smaller charitable trusts also exist. In Germany, foundations of some type have existed since the 13th century; today thousands of foundations exist, and they are generally funded by large business groups. In other European countries only a few foundations have been formed.

See also Philanthropy.