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. 

Responding to a Congressional Inquiry

Legal Compliance Guidance
Developed for the Council on Foundations by Christopher J. Armstrong, Partner at Holland & Knight Congress’s power to conduct inquiries, including information requests, the issuance of subpoenas, and public hearings has long been recognized by the courts as part of Congress’s power to…

Giving Is Here for Good

At a time when charitable giving is facing growing scrutiny, we’re launching Giving Is Here for Good — a national campaign advocating for the importance of the freedom to give and the enduring power of generosity in American life.  The Giving Is Here for Good campaign is designed to reach…

Washington Snapshot: Congress looking into NGOs

In this edition of Washington Snapshot, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) and Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability Chairman Josh Brecheen (R-OK) sent letters to more than 200 nonprofit organizations. Plus, Senate committees' budget…

Announcing New Legal Resources for Community Foundations

Today, the Council on Foundations announces expanded legal resources to help community foundations navigate a wave of growing legal and regulatory threats. Across the country, community foundations are stepping up and leading efforts to meet local needs — supporting initiatives from local food…

Washington Snapshot: More Budget Reconciliation and the Retirement Fairness for Charities Act

In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share ongoing budget reconciliation updates along with an update on the Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act. Plus, a new Department of Justice initiative, House Oversight Committee hearing, news from state legislatures, and…

Value of Philanthropy

Download these one-pagers to help show the value of philanthropy in communities across the country. Generic Value of Philanthropy Value of Philanthropy in the United States These documents highlight the value of philanthropy in specific states: Alabama Arizona California Connecticut…

Community Philanthropy Update - May 2025

This month's Community Philanthropy Update recognizes the growing Center for Community Foundations and the added expertise of incoming Chair and Vice Chair of the Community Foundation Advisory Group.

Dine-Arounds

Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to some amazing restaurants! Our Dine Arounds offer an opportunity to check out a local venue while getting to know your fellow attendees. These attendee-planned dinners are pay-as-you-go. Interested in organizing your own Dine Around? There's still time to plan one!

Learning Across Differences Ideas Forum - Reflections on the Journey

Join us for a discussion with John Hopkins professor Hahrie Han, author of “Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church.” Dr. Han will reflect on heartset: who do you need to be to bridge divides with others?

Member Policy Briefing: Community Foundations - September 2025

The Council is hosting a series of monthly Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for CEOs, Presidents, or Executive Directors of community foundations.

Member Policy Briefing: Community Foundations - October 2025

The Council is hosting a series of monthly Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for CEOs, Presidents, or Executive Directors of community foundations.

Member Policy Briefing: Community Foundations - November 2025

The Council is hosting a series of monthly Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for CEOs, Presidents, or Executive Directors of community foundations.

Member Policy Briefing: Community Foundations - December 2025

The Council is hosting a series of monthly Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for CEOs, Presidents, or Executive Directors of community foundations.

The Power of Synergistic Nonprofit Co-Location and Cross-Utilization of Services

Nonprofit organizations are finding innovative ways to amplify impact through synergy, a concept that highlights the power of collaboration and interaction. When different entities work together, they can achieve outcomes far greater than on their own. This session explores the transformative…

Housing and Community Development Roundtable

As the landscape shifts for housing and community development projects, come hear from funders who have been tackling this issue with their communities through the booms and the busts, and then step into deep discussion with your peers to help support the work you're doing in your own community to…

Restoring Local Connection: Land, Water, and Culture at Owamniyomni

This session is offsite. Space on the bus is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, the 1.7-mile walk would take approximately 40 minutes each way. Join us for an immersive education session at Owamniyomni, the Dakota name for the sacred site of the Mississippi…
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