Patronato Universitario Fundación is a private promotional cultural foundation, recognised as a charity, which was set up in Madrid in 1987.

In 2003, the Fundación Patronato Universitario adapted its Statutes to Law 50/2002, of 26 December, on Foundations. This adaptation has not had a significant impact on the functioning of the Foundation. On 22 November 2005, Royal Decree 1,337/2005 was published, approving the Regulations on Foundations under State Jurisdiction.

In accordance with current legislation, the Foundation annually submits to its Protectorate the Action Plan for each financial year, as well as the annual accounts in which the exact fulfillment of the foundational aims is reported.