The Higher Council of Foundations is an advisory body provided for in article 38 of Law 50/2002, of December 26, on Foundations, composed of ten representatives of the General Administration of the State, ten representatives of the autonomous communities and ten representatives of the foundations, paying special attention to the existence of associations of foundations with State implementation.
The Higher Council of Foundations is responsible for advising and reporting on any legal or regulatory provisions of a State nature that directly affect foundations, as well as formulating proposals in this field, without prejudice to reporting on such matters when consulted by the Governing Councils of the Autonomous Communities. It also exercises the functions of planning and proposing the necessary actions for the promotion and promotion of foundations and carries out the necessary studies to that effect, as well as the other functions that may be attributed to it by other rules.
The Council is governed by the provisions of Law 50/2002, of 26 December, as well as by the Regulation of foundations of state competence, approved by Royal Decree 1337/2005, of 11 November and which has recently been modified by Royal Decree 125/2026, of 18 February, in order to adapt the composition of this to the current reality in the foundational sector.
The constitution of the Higher Council of Foundations is a key step in strengthening the dialogue between the foundation sector and public administrations. The foundation sector channels resources and efforts from the private sector to the common good, addressing social needs in areas such as education, culture, health, research and development and social inclusion. Thus, the foundation sector constitutes a key social and economic actor, complementing the public sector, promoting innovation, generating employment and mobilizing volunteers and employers to contribute to the progress and well-being of society.
In particular, a total of ten people representing foundations and associations of foundations will form part of the Council, given the growing trend towards associationism of foundations, both at state and regional level. To this end, a selection process is carried out in accordance with Order TMD/625/2026, of June 16, which regulates and convenes the selective process for the appointment of members of the Higher Council of Foundations, on behalf of the foundations.