The Research Foundation is a non-profit corporation that expects to be recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) entity.  The corporation has been organized to engage exclusively in charitable, educational and/or scientific activities.  Its initial activities will be to participate in the ownership as a minority owner and operation of a non-profit center building that will provide offices and support services to various non-profit organizations on the Coast that serve the local community.  The Research Foundation may also provide financial assistance for the community support activities of the non-profit organizations that operate on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, including the activities of the Gulf Coast Business Council, an affiliated nonprofit corporation.