set up a foundation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set up a foundation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the establishment of an organization or institution, often for charitable or educational purposes. Example: "After years of planning, she decided to set up a foundation to support underprivileged children."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Then no former president has ever set up a Foundation like the Clinton Foundation accomplishing the good works the Foundation has for millions around the world.

Huffington Post

He set up a foundation to promote the arts.

The Economist

He has set up a foundation to handle the money.

The New York Times

So they set up a foundation to buy the land.

The Guardian

They set up a foundation, Pura Vida Partners, and gave it ownership of the company.

The New York Times

Mr. Mandela set up a foundation to work on children's health, education and other issues.

The New York Times

In 1977 he used his life savings to set up a foundation for this work.

The New Yorker

He decided to set up a foundation devoted to promoting Popper's ideal of open societies.

The New Yorker

Upshaw is also charity-minded: he set up a foundation to help tornado victims.

The New York Times

She has set up a foundation to help other hostages after their release.

The Guardian

'We wanted to set up a foundation and work with kids,' they say.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "set up a foundation", clearly define the foundation's mission and goals to ensure its purpose is well-understood by potential donors and beneficiaries.

Common error

Avoid using "set up a foundation" without a clear articulation of its specific objectives. A foundation without a well-defined purpose risks losing focus and failing to achieve meaningful impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set up a foundation" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the action of establishing an organization, often with charitable or philanthropic goals. It is used to describe the process of creating a formal structure for managing and distributing resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

19%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Huffington Post

2%

Forbes

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set up a foundation" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the establishment of a charitable or philanthropic organization. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is frequently used in news, business, and general contexts. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "establish a foundation" for professional settings. When writing about setting up a foundation, ensure the purpose and goals are clearly defined to maximize its potential impact. This is supported by the numerous examples provided, highlighting the phrase's practical application in reporting on real-world initiatives. Remember to specify the foundation's mission and strategic plan for clarity and effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Establish a foundation

Replaces "set up" with a more formal synonym, "establish".

Create a foundation

Uses the verb "create" instead of "set up", emphasizing the act of bringing something into existence.

Form a foundation

Emphasizes the act of forming or organizing a foundation.

Launch a foundation

Implies a formal commencement or introduction of the foundation.

Start a foundation

A more general term for beginning a foundation.

Inaugurate a foundation

Suggests a formal beginning or opening of the foundation.

Initiate a foundation

Highlights the first steps taken to establish a foundation.

Organize a foundation

Focuses on the structural and logistical aspects of establishing the foundation.

Develop a foundation

Implies a gradual process of building and refining the foundation.

Pioneer a foundation

Suggests being the first to establish such a foundation, emphasizing innovation.

FAQs

How can I use "set up a foundation" in a sentence?

You can use "set up a foundation" to describe the act of establishing an organization, often for charitable or philanthropic purposes. For example: "After retiring, she decided to "set up a foundation" to support educational initiatives in her community."

What's the difference between ""set up a foundation"" and "establish a foundation"?

While both phrases are very similar, ""set up a foundation"" is slightly more informal. "Establish a foundation" is often preferred in more formal or professional contexts.

What can I say instead of ""set up a foundation""?

You can use alternatives like "establish a foundation", "create a foundation", or "form a foundation depending on the context and desired level of formality."

What are the key steps to ""set up a foundation""?

Key steps typically include defining the foundation's mission, establishing a board of directors, developing a strategic plan, securing initial funding, and registering the foundation with the appropriate legal authorities.