Community Foundations

Community foundations are grantmaking public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to support effective nonprofits in their communities. Community foundations vary widely in asset size, ranging from less than $100,000 to more than $1.7 billion.

Community foundations play a key role in identifying and solving community problems. In 2017, they gave an estimated $5.48 billion to a variety of nonprofit activities in fields that included the arts and education, health and human services, the environment, and disaster relief. The Community Foundations National Standards Board confirms operational excellence in six key areas—mission, structure, and governance; resource development; stewardship and accountability; grantmaking and community leadership; donor relations; and communications. Foundations that comply with these standards can display the official National Standards Seal. Currently, over 500 community foundations have earned the seal.

More than 900 community foundations operate in urban and rural areas in every state in the United States; currently, approximately 350 are members of the Council on Foundations. The community foundation model also has taken hold around the world. Community foundations have participated in the growth of international giving by U.S. foundations in recent years, with international giving by community foundations more than tripling, from $103 million in 2011 to $315 million in 2015, and community foundations' share of overall international giving by U.S. foundations more than doubling, from 1.4 percent in 2011 to 3.4 percent in 2015.

You can use our Community Foundation Locator to view a list of community foundations in the United States.

Below is everything on our site for community foundations. We highly recommend that you use the navigation or our search feature to find what you're looking for on our site. Please also visit cof.org/community-foundations for curated community foundation content. 

Leading Across Differences - May Peer Learning Circle

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

Leading Across Differences - March Peer Learning Circle

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

Washington Snapshot: Week One of the Second Trump Administration

In this edition of Washington Snapshot, HUD award applications are now open and we are currently tracking the Trump administration's first executive actions.

Community Philanthropy Update - January 2025

In this month's Community Philanthropy Update, we're analyzing the recent executive orders and other policy proposals put forth by the new administration and working with legal counsel and talking with our members to fully understand the implications for our sector. We also share a welcome message…

Foundations on the Hill 2025

Amplifying Our Sector's Voice At Foundations on the Hill, we bring together PSOs, foundations, sector leaders, and advocates to strengthen our collective impact on federal policy. This signature event provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with legislators and policymakers while…

Coming Together, Not Apart: Inside the Work of Turning Conflict Into Collaboration

Publication
Coming Together, Not Apart: Inside the Work of Turning Conflict Into Collaboration is the second of three Council on Foundations publications exploring philanthropy's involvement in developing the heartset, mindset, and skillset to lead collaboratively across differences. It dives deep into how…

Listening to Learn: Your Feedback is Shaping the Future of the Council

Over the last five years, the Council on Foundations has been on a journey to become a learning organization—one that experiments with innovation, seeks fresh input, and keeps its eyes focused on the horizon. A key part of this commitment is listening to feedback from the 900+ organizations that…

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - April Peer Learning Circle

What are DEI Peer Learning Circles? DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In…

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - March Peer Learning Circle

What are DEI Peer Learning Circles? DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In…

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Peer Learning Circle 2025 Kick-Off

What are DEI Peer Learning Circles? DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In…

SDG Learning Circle for Foundations February 2025 Meeting

Join us for this peer-led event dedicated specifically to foundations working on advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or are open to learning more about how the SDGs can fit within their work. Connect with foundation peers to learn about the United Nations Sustainable Development…

Washington Snapshot: 119th Congress Sworn In

Earlier this month, the 119th Congress kicked off. The House re-elected Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) Speaker, while the Senate elected Sen. John Thune (R-SD) Majority Leader. Leadership also announced members of all Committees.

Philanthropy's Response to 2025 California Wildfires

Overview Wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area have forced nearly 180,000 people out of their homes and have left over 350,000 people without power. At least five fires have burned over 60 square miles causing it to be the most destructive fire in L.A. history. Both a state of emergency…

Retreat for New Foundation Executive Leaders - May 2025

This event is the Council's annual retreat for early-tenure foundation chief executives who want to step away from the challenges of their day-to-day and find renewed energy and motivation in fellowship with other new CEOs.  Hosted by Jamie Merisotis and the Lumina Foundation, it will…

Policy Agenda for the 119th Congress

Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 900 member organizations, those large and small, urban and rural, community- and global-focused, in all 50 states and around the world.  The Council and our members work to create a policy environment in which philanthropy can grow…

Building Trust and Equity: One Community Foundation’s Holistic Approach to Empowering Nonprofits

When Yeselie and Vilenti Tulloch founded the Academic Leadership Association, they were newcomers to the nonprofit sector. Being unfamiliar with grantmaking, applying for funding wasn't even on their radar – until the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) reached out.  "Someone…
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