foundations

   Foundations (fundaciones) are charitable organizations founded, often by commercial enterprises, but also by individuals, for a wide variety of social and cultural purposes. Regulated by the Law of Patronage, they benefit from a reduced corporate tax, and are eligible to receive works of art donated by individuals and corporate bodies in part payment of tax liabilities. Among the more than 2,700 foundations registered are the ONCE Foundations for providing work for the blind and for training guide-dogs, the Savings Banks (Cajas de Ahorros), which are required by law to devote half their profits to community works, and major banks such as BBV, Central Hispano and Exterior de España, and other large business enterprises. The Juan March Foundation was instituted by the financier of that name to promote scientific education, and the Fundación Ramon Areces exists to encourage and develop scientific and technical research. The Fundación Universidad-Empresa has the mission of maintaining dialogue and co-operation between universities and industry in the Madrid region. The García Lorca Foundation, presided over by the poet's sister Isabel, was created to promote interest in the life and works of Lorca. It has a library and photographic archive, and publishes a biennial bulletin on the work of Lorca and the "Generation of 1927". The Ortega y Gasset Foundation, headed by the writer's daughter, Soledad Ortega Spottorno, promotes the social sciences and humanities, and publishes the Revista de Occidente.

   See also: cultural institutions and movements

   EAMONN RODGERS