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Effective ways to build a foundation
Meet our foundations experts.
Are you looking for effective ways to contribute to lasting change? "With a foundation, you can secure your giving and involvement over time," says Joel Amram, a foundation lawyer at SEB who specialises inproviding legal assistance when forming foundations. In today’s world, many people are keen to tackle social issues and see establishing a foundation as a suitable strategy.
Ingmarie Severien, head of SEB’s foundation advisory services, highlights the advantages of foundations over other forms of charitable organisations: "Unlike a non-profit association, a foundation ensures that the purpose cannot be suddenly altered a few years down the line or the funds diverted from what the founder initially intended."
Foundations offer stability and structure, making sure the founder’s intentions are not only respected but are also carried out exactly as envisioned. SEB, with its long history and depth of expertise, supports around 2,700 foundation clients in everything from asset management to governance advice. "We lead the market, innovating with new products and services for our foundation clients. We also assist our clients across various needs from government liaisons to legal proceedings and managing relationships with grant recipients," adds Ingmarie.
With a foundation, you can secure your giving and involvement over time.
Foundations are meant to be permanent, typically operating for a minimum of five years. However, founders have the flexibility to decide if their foundation will have a perpetual life or if its funds should be spent within a specific time frame, creating what is known as a time-limited foundation. "This flexibility allows founders to decide whether they want their contributions to be used over 10 or 20 years or perhaps to focus intensely on their mission in a shorter time frame," explains Joel.
Clear purpose of the foundation
This need for adaptability extends to the foundation's objectives. Ingmarie notes, "It’s crucial that a foundation’s purpose works both now and in the future, which is why it’s important to draft the foundation’s charter to allow for societal changes and maintain flexibility."
To ensure the founder's vision is clearly articulated, SEB often encourages founders to write a declaration of intent. "This declaration is where founders can express in their own words the purpose and goals of the foundation, ensuring their intentions are unmistakably understood," says Ingmarie.
When setting the foundation’s purpose, founders also decide whether the foundation should operate by issuing grants and contributions or if it should engage in its own operational activities.
SEB can help you make an impact
SEB offers comprehensive support throughout the process of forming a foundation. "Initially, we discuss the areas and interests the client wants to support. If deciding to proceed with a foundation, we help design the charter and manage all the practical aspects like opening accounts and providing board support, asset management, accounting, and investment advice," says Joel.
One of the significant benefits of establishing a foundation is the potential for tax exemption, particularly for those set up for charitable purposes. "Because the foundation’s income and profits aren’t taxed, more funds are available to support the founder’s goals, thereby amplifying the impact of their contributions,"Joel adds.
The inherent durability and long-term perspective of foundations make them particularly appealing for families wishing to support causes across generations. Ingmarie concludes, "By choosing the foundation format, founders ensure that their engagement and legacy persist over time, often bringing families together around a shared purpose and fostering discussions about the changes they hope to achieve".
Our foundations offering
The world's challenges have no borders. This may also be true of your philanthropic ambition, so let that spark your desire to make a difference. With our foundation service, you'll receive support to create lasting change.
Portfolio management for foundations
With our combined expertise in portfolio management, extensive analytical resources, and tailored products, your foundation will have a solid base to create lasting change.
Foundation services
With us, you will receive a unique and comprehensive solution covering all foundation services. The foundation will be provided with a dedicated team of experts who will assist with everything from legal expertise to the administration of grants and scholarships.
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