stiftelseurkunde

A stiftelseurkunde, or foundation charter, is the founding document that establishes a foundation as a legal entity with a defined charitable, cultural, scientific or otherwise non-profit purpose. It formalizes the creation of the foundation and sets out the essential terms by which it will operate.

Typical content includes the foundation’s name and seat, the legal form, the stated purpose, and the initial endowment or assets designated to the foundation. The document also outlines the duration of the foundation (whether it is perpetual or time-limited), the governing bodies (such as a board of trustees or foundation council), and rules for their appointment and powers. It may specify how profits or assets are to be used to further the foundation’s purpose, and it often provides provisions on how the charter can be amended or the foundation dissolved, including what happens to remaining assets in case of dissolution.

In many jurisdictions, the stiftelseurkunde is executed before a notary and must be registered with a competent authority (for example, a foundation registry or equivalent court) to acquire legal personality. Registration is usually a prerequisite for tax recognition and the ability to operate as a charitable entity. The founding deed is typically complemented by separate statutes or by-laws that govern ongoing operations; together they form the foundation’s constitutional framework.

Significance and limitations: the stiftelseurkunde provides clarity on the foundation’s mission, governance, and asset use, helping ensure accountability and alignment with the purpose. It is subject to legal requirements specific to the jurisdiction, including rules on endowment, restrictions on activities, and oversight. In practice, the document serves as the cornerstone for the foundation’s legitimacy and long-term governance.