Associations and foundations are legal forms, established with a certain goal. Both are allowed to make profit, but this profit can only be used in respect to the goal they pursue. It is not allowed to pay the founders, board members or members. The main difference between both legal forms is that associations strive to bring people together in activities, while a foundation bring people together to strive for a mutual good cause.
| Association (vereniging) | Foundation (stichting) |
|---|---|
| Has members, who are involved in decision making. This usually takes the form of, for example, a General Assembly, in which members vote on important decisions. It is therefore more democratic. | Does not have members (only a board who manages the foundation) and therefore is less democratic, but also a lot easier to manage. |
| As the name suggests, aimed at association, so bringing people together to engage in activities. | Usually aimed at supporting a social, environmental or other non-profit cause. |
| For a change of statutes, dissolution of the organisation and any other major decisions, you need to host a vote among all the members (usually through a General Assembly). | The board agrees on any changes during their board meetings. |
| Can collect membership fees to finance its activities. | Does not collect membership fees. |
| Can be established with limited jurisdiction or full jurisdiction. Limited jurisdiction does not involve having to register with a notary. However, it also means that board members can be held liable for possible damages. | Always has to be registered with a notary. Therefore the liability lies within the foundation. |
| Must be started by at least two people. | Can be started by one person. |
| Examples in Maastricht: Fugax, Saurus, United Nations Student Association. | Examples in Maastricht: Match, Internaction, Code 043. |
Read more about foundations and associations.