The real Soong Ching Ling Foundation was established in May 1982 in memory of Soong Ching Ling, Honorary Chairman of the People's Republic of China.

In September 2005, after deliberation and approval at the fifth Board of Directors meeting, the name was changed to China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, with the English translation being "China Soong Ching Ling Foundation" and the abbreviation "SCLF".

The China Soong Ching Ling Foundation has five departments: office, fund department, liaison department, career development department, and personnel and security department.

Directly affiliated institutions include: Soong Ching Ling Former Residence Management Center (China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Research Center), Soong Ching Ling Children's Science and Technology Museum, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Training and Exchange Center, China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Career Development Center, and China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Institutional Service Center.