The Foundation of Cultural Heritage as a branch of Foundation of Estonian National Culture was founded by the Estonian National Folklore Council in the 16th November 2000. The mission of the foundation is to support the continuity of cultural heritage and to direct public attention towards the need of protecting traditional culture. The idea of creating such kind of foundation comes from the programm of UNESCO - "Living National Treasures", where public recognition is considered to be the most effective way of protecting cultural heritage. The Price of Cultural Heritage is given every year in the 16th of November - the day of announcing the Independence Declaration and founding Estonian Folklore Society.