The study analyses the social-economic role and functions of foundations and their metamorphosis in the Czech Lands in the historical context in the long-term perspective from the end of the Middle Ages all the way to 1951. The study identifies four roles of foundations in society: The tool of redistribution of created sources; the guarantee of societal control and of the natural system of social security; the initiator of social changes; and a supporter of social pluralism.
The foundations worked for the common good as accepted at the time and their activities were dynamic in their nature.