Evidence
The basis for admitting testimony or evidence into evidence. For example, an attorney must lay a foundation in order to admit an expert witness testimony or a company's business records into evidence. Laying a foundation establishes the qualifications of a witness or the authenticity of the evidence.
Fund or Endowment
A foundation is also a fund or endowment that is established for a benevolent purpose, such as charity, religion, education, or research.
Case Law
See Giles v. State of Maryland, 386 U.S. 66 (1967) regarding laying a foundation; and Stanbury Law Firm v. Internal Revenue Service, 221 F.3d 1059 (8th Cir. 2000) regarding a 501(c)(3) organization.
See also
- Evidence
- Non-profit organizations
[Last updated in January of 2023 by the Wex Definitions Team]