The Foundation series contains records documenting the operation of the Foundation, exclusive of those materials which appear in other series. These materials include items documenting the construction and dedication of Foundation buildings, information documenting everyday operations, files relating to individuals, publications, and publicity. Also included are materials contributed by the estates of individuals closely associated with the Foundation, in particular: Nina Hosler Loomis, John S. Garth, and Charles Wade. Some of these papers are not strictly concerned with Foundation activities, yet are included here as a result of their provenance. Also included are the LPs produced by KUSC of the Hancock Ensemble in performance, performances particular to USC held on campus, and news and dramatic programs broadcast on KUSC and other local Los Angeles radio stations; the films created by the Foundation documenting the Hancock Pacific Expeditions, marine biology, and trips of the Velero III and IV; and photographs.

Of particular note are the photographs; these include documentation of the 1930s Hancock Pacific Expeditions by photographer Charles Swett; extensive documentation of these same expeditions by one of their principal scientists, Dr. John S. Garth; and images of orchids and other biological and zoological specimens of interest to scientists associated with the Foundation and USC.