The Development and Operation of Foundations in China

Abstract

Chinese foundations flourished in the 20th century. Empirical studies emerged to address multiple aspects of their activities and relations with the government. However, there has been little research synthetically reviewing their development and operation. As a result, we often lack the knowledge of the context in which these organizations interact with state and society. This article divides Chinese foundations’ history into three phases: in search of identity, 1978–2004; in search of legal status, 2004–2016; and in search of the role in civil society, 2016 onward. It also introduces overseas foundations and their representative offices in China in the three periods. The discussion covers the normative and contextualized foundation operations in regard to the legal, political, and economic environment in each phase. This article not only helps readers understand and interpret findings from research on Chinese foundations, but also provides practical information to Chinese and non-Chinese practitioners who (will) work for or with foundations in China.

Keywords: foundation, overseas foundation and representative office, social organization, history, China