Us Code § 151705 - Powers

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 151705 — Powers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 151705. Powers

(a) General.—The corporation may—

(1) adopt a constitution and bylaws;

(2) adopt a seal which shall be judicially noticed; and

(3) do any other act necessary to carry out this chapter.


(b) Powers as Trustee.—To carry out its purposes, the corporation has the usual powers of a corporation acting as a trustee in the jurisdiction in which the principal office of the corporation is located, including the power—

(1) to accept, receive, solicit, hold, administer, and use any gift, devise, or bequest, either absolutely or in trust, of property or any income from or other interest in property;

(2) to acquire property or an interest in property by purchase or exchange;

(3) unless otherwise required by an instrument of transfer, to sell, donate, lease, invest, or otherwise dispose of any property or income from property;

(4) to borrow money and issue instruments of indebtedness;

(5) to make contracts and other arrangements with public agencies and private organizations and persons and to make payments necessary to carry out its functions;

(6) to sue and be sued; and

(7) to do any other act necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of the corporation.


(c) Encumbered or Restricted Gifts.—A gift, devise, or bequest may be accepted by the corporation even though it is encumbered, restricted, or subject to beneficial interests of private persons, if any current or future interest is for the benefit of the corporation.

(Pub. L. 105–225, Aug. 12, 1998, 112 Stat. 1405; Pub. L. 109–9, title III, §312(b), Apr. 27, 2005, 119 Stat. 226; Pub. L. 113–237, §3(c)(5), Dec. 18, 2014, 128 Stat. 2840.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
151705(a) 36:5702(g)(1)(B), (C). Oct. 11, 1996, Pub. L. 104–285, title II, §§203(g)(1)(B), (C), 204(b), (c)(1)–(4), (5) (words before 2d comma), (6), (7), (last par.), 110 Stat. 3384, 3385.
  36:5703(b).  
151705(b) 36:5703(c)(1)–(4), (5) (words before 2d comma), (6), (7).  
151705(c) 36:5703(c) (last par.).  

Subsection (a)(1) is substituted for 36:5702(g)(1)(B) for consistency in the revised title. The words "consistent with the purposes of the Foundation and the provisions of this chapter" are omitted as unnecessary.

Subsection (a)(2) is substituted for 36:5703(b) for consistency in the revised title.

Subsection (a)(3) is substituted for 36:5702(g)(1)(C) for consistency in the revised title.

In subsection (b), before clause (1), the words "under section 5701 of this title" and "in addition to the powers otherwise given it under this chapter" are omitted as unnecessary. In clauses (1) and (2), the words "real or personal" are omitted as unnecessary and for consistency in the revised title. In clause (3), the words "reinvest, retain" are omitted as unnecessary. In clause (4), the words "instruments of indebtedness" are substituted for "bonds, debentures, or other debt instruments" to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (6), the words "and complain and defend itself in any court of competent jurisdiction" are omitted as unnecessary. In clause (7), the words "any other act" are substituted for "any and all acts" to eliminate unnecessary words.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2014—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 113–237 substituted "the jurisdiction" for "the the jurisdiction" in introductory provisions.

2005—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–9 substituted "the jurisdiction in which the principal office of the corporation is located" for "District of Columbia" in introductory provisions.

About This Section

36 U.S.C. § 151705 is part of Title 36 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 36 U.S.C. § 151705. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 151705

What does United States Code § 151705 cover?

Section 151705 ("Powers") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 151705?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 151705" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 151705 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.