The supportive relationship between the Darden School and the Darden School Foundation began with the initiative of business leaders who, under the guidance of former University President Colgate W. Darden Jr., secured the initial endowment funds necessary to found the School in the early 1950s.The Darden School Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation that was incorporated on 29 December 1952. The Foundation supports the Darden School and its academic mission by:Promoting philanthropic support from alumni, friends and corporationsManaging endowment funds for the School's exclusive benefitOperating Darden's top-ranked Executive Education programs, the UVA Inn at Darden Conference and Event Center