The Kresge Foundation is an independent, private grantmaking organization. It was created in 1924 to promote the well-being of mankind. Its geographic scope is national and, on occasion, international. The foundation's grants support a range of organizations reflecting almost the entire breadth of the nonprofit sector. These diverse groups respond by sustaining activities that demonstrate their effectiveness. Grants are awarded to institutions on a conditional or challenge basis, thereby providing an incentive to help them expand their fund raising capabilities, and are confined to established charitable institutions, without limitation as to field of interest or location. Foundation assistance is directed to the maintenance or expansion of those institutions rather than for programs or operating support. The foundation is temporarily located in Troy, Mich.