Opus Dei as an institution owns only the Central Offices in Rome. Given its secular and lay character, all the Centers and the different initiatives of social or educative nature are managed by autonomous foundations with their own boards of direction.

These foundations support, among other aims, the activities given in the centers of Opus Dei. These activities are open to anyone who wants to receive spiritual coaching and guidance. Most of the courses and the spiritual activities are free so that anybody can benefit from them. The foundations also help to sustain projects in Canada and in developing countries around the world. Members of Opus Dei are working with countless others in promoting and implementing programs of education and human aid, in the fight against material and spiritual poverty.