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. 

Washington Snapshot: Global Grantmaking Essentials

Our biannual virtual training on global grantmaking offers a focused dive into cross-border giving regulations, real-world tools for navigating complex systems, and updates on the latest data and research. Plus, the SPONSOR Act, Senate hearing on foreign influence in higher education, and more.

National Standards Monthly Zoom Session - June 2026

CFNSB hosts a monthly call to offer community foundation staff the opportunity to learn what's new, or ask any questions related to the National Standards program. The input of community foundation staff is critical to the success of the program. This event will take place the second Wednesday of…

National Standards Monthly Zoom Session - May 2026

CFNSB hosts a monthly call to offer community foundation staff the opportunity to learn what's new, or ask any questions related to the National Standards program. The input of community foundation staff is critical to the success of the program. This event will take place the second Wednesday of…

National Standards Monthly Zoom Session - April 2026

CFNSB hosts a monthly call to offer community foundation staff the opportunity to learn what's new, or ask any questions related to the National Standards program. The input of community foundation staff is critical to the success of the program. This event will take place the second Wednesday of…

Building Together Award

About the AwardThe Building Together Award grew out of the Council on Foundations’ strategic focus on Building Common Ground. The award:Celebrates work that builds the heart set, mindset, and skill set to connect and collaborate across differences. This may include efforts that foster dialogue,…

Excellence in Community Foundation Leadership Award

About the AwardThe Excellence in Community Foundation Leadership Award recognizes an exceptional senior leader at a community foundation who demonstrates outstanding vision, integrity, and impact in advancing their institution's mission and the broader philanthropic field. Nominees should exemplify…

Info Session: CF Leadership Coalition Policy & Communications Add-On

For over 75 years, the Council on Foundations has worked to support the nation’s community foundations, acting as a voice for them in Washington, D.C. while providing essential policy guidance and resources. Now, through the new CF Leadership Coalition, Policy and…

LATAM & Caribbean Funder Circle - April 2026

This peer-learning space brings together funders working across the Latin America and Caribbean region and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across…

Asia-Pacific Funder Circle - April 2026

This peer-learning space brings together funders working across the Asia-Pacific region and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across the region. ICNL…

Guidance for Funders on the Iran War 2026

As is the case with most military conflicts, humanitarian needs will inevitably escalate in the region. For those interested in providing aid or support to people affected by the war, this page offers legal guidance, background information, and suggested funding avenues.This page will be updated as…

Listening Skills for Chaotic Times

This session offers practical tools and case studies to help funders listen quickly and, effectively, and without burdening grantees in times of upheaval—even when communities are sharing conflicting opinions and input.This is a part of the Building Up to Building Together webinar series. If this…

Bridging Communities: How Yampa Valley Community Foundation Unites Northwest Colorado

Steamboat Springs, the largest city in Routt County, is a tourism-driven ski town known for arts and recreation. Upriver in the city of Craig, the county seat of Moffat County, a rich tradition of ranching and farming carries on as multi-generational families preserve their livelihoods through…

Strategy in the Age of Chaos: Strategic Foresight for Philanthropic Leaders

Times of rapid change demand leaders skilled in both improvisation and imagination. Both of these skills require practice. This session introduces the foundations of strategic foresight and equips participants with practical techniques to expand possibility, challenge assumptions, and explore…

Washington Snapshot: Register for Our Upcoming Webinar on the Basics of Civic Engagement

Philanthropic organizations face heightened attention and expectations. To support Council members, our Legal Resources team is hosting a webinar on what philanthropic organizations need to know to engage confidently and responsibly in civic engagement work. Plus, FOTH26, Council testimony for the…

Why Psychological Safety Matters for Trust, Collaboration, and Shared Power

Discover how creating a sense of psychological safety is an essential foundation to building trust, sharing power more fairly, and including everyone’s voice. Learn how care and accountability strengthen meaningful partnerships, practice healthier ways of working together in mission‑driven settings…

SDG Learning Circle for Foundations - September 2026

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 Goals…
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