foundation
Cross references: 1. base foun.da.tion \fau.n-'da--sh*n\ \-shn*l, -sh*n-*l\ n 1: the act of founding 2: the basis upon which something stands or is supported 3a: funds given for the permanent support of an institution : ENDOWMENT 3b: an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance 4: an underlying natural or prepared base or support; esp : the whole masonry substructure of a building 5a: a body or ground upon which something is build up or overlaid 5b: a woman's supporting undergarment : CORSET - foun.da.tion.al aj
Webster's English Dictionary