fondations

Fondations is a term that can refer to the lower structural elements of buildings or to philanthropic organizations, especially in French-speaking contexts.

In construction, a foundation is the part of a building that transfers loads to the ground. Its design depends on soil bearing capacity, groundwater, frost, and the loads from the structure. Common types are shallow foundations, including isolated footings, strip footings, and raft or mat foundations, which spread loads near the surface. Deep foundations reach deeper soil layers and include piles, drilled shafts, and caissons. The choice depends on soil conditions, load, and economic factors. Materials are typically reinforced concrete, sometimes steel or timber. Construction steps include site preparation, excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concrete pouring, and curing. Quality control and geotechnical investigations influence longevity and settlement behavior. Ongoing inspection is used to detect abnormal settlement, cracking, or corrosion.

In philanthropy, a foundation (fondation) is a non-profit legal vehicle that manages endowments to fund charitable activities. Foundations may be independent or corporate and are governed by a board of directors or trustees. Their assets are invested to provide stable grants over time. Funding strategies include program grants, challenge funds, and sometimes program-related investments. Regulatory frameworks determine tax status, reporting requirements, and permissible activities, varying by country. French-speaking contexts include structures such as regional or national foundations that support education, health, culture, or social services.

Overall, fondations span both the built environment and the charitable sector, with distinct aims: to ensure structural safety and longevity in construction, and to enable targeted social impact through funded programs.