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: Congressional Hearings with Treasury Secretary

Next week, both the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee will hold hearings with Secretary Bessent to discuss the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget for Treasury and Treasury’s priorities. Plus, updates on Southern Poverty Law Center, OMB proposed regulations on federal…

Community Philanthropy Update - May 2026

Welcome to the new members of the Community Foundation Advisory Group! Plus your legal question of the month and more!

Info Session: CF Leadership Coalition Policy & Communications Add-On May 2026

 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 Communications Add-On,…

Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort Alumni Office Hours - July

Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort office hours offer cohort members a space to reflect on their learnings and ask questions about program content. This year, we're excited to open these sessions to cohort alumni. These sessions are an opportunity to reconnect with the program's themes and…

Washington Snapshot: DOJ Report on Anti-Christian Bias

House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) sent letters to the legal counsels at three nonprofit organizations accused of accepting money from allies of the Chinese Communist Party. Plus, Ways and Means letters to nonprofits, Legal Basics for Community Foundations, GSB Survey…

Council & CEONet | Community Foundation CEO Roundtable - June 2026

Topic: More Than Four Walls - Creating Spaces that Serve Your CommunityJoin fellow community foundation CEOs for a roundtable conversation exploring how community foundations are reimaging their role as community hubs through the development of dedicated headquarters with built-in convening and…

Understanding The Impact of AI Data Centers on Rural America

This webinar aims to provide attendees with knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the AI data center issue, its impact on rural America, and the role of community self-determination. The discussion will be descriptive, not prescriptive, and will focus on the data, ambiguities, and what…

Seattle Art Museum

Still have some time to explore? Head over to the Seattle Art Museum, the leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest and a must-see while you're in the city. Show your conference badge at the ticketing desk and receive 50% off one ticket.

Grab and Go Lunch

Before you go, grab a boxed lunch to enjoy as you head home. Thank you for joining us at Building Together 2026!

Break

Take this opportunity to connect with fellow attendees, visit our partner tables, browse our bookstore, enjoy a snack, or recharge in our Brain Break room.

Plenary Session: Belonging, a Bridge to Possibility

What becomes possible when people feel seen and valued? And how can belonging be cultivated in unexpected places—both in practice, and in culture? Together, we’ll discuss what a more connected society could look like, and what kind of commitment it will take to build.Civic Science Talk: Sohad…

Ask Me Anything Breakfast Roundtables

Bring your questions to continue and deepen conversations with our partners over breakfast. Chat with The Colossian Forum, Greater Good Science Center, Othering and Belonging Institute, Over Zero, Resetting the Table, and Trust for Public Land.

Breakfast Conversation: Investing Effectively in Connection Across Difference

Join an interactive breakfast session about how to effectively invest in connection across difference at the local, regional, and national levels. Join funders who are part of the New Pluralists collaborative who will provide context from their five years of investing together in strategies that…

Movie Screening: Prime Minister

We invite you to join us for an evening movie screening of Prime Minister. The Right Honorable Dame Jacinda Ardern, New Zealand’s 40th Prime Minister, led her nation through unprecedented challenges, implemented bold policies, and became the second leader in history to give birth in office, all…

Evening Activities: Games, Arts, and Take a Poem, Leave a Poem, Write a Poem, Read a Poem

Stop by our conference living room lounge to enjoy some relaxed time with fellow attendees. Essential Partners will host a poetry activity, and there will be games available. Want to get artistic? You can work on our paint-by-number mural (a Council conference favorite!) or bring your own craft.

CEO and Trustee Reception

Join the Council’s CEO and Board for light refreshments and good conversation during this invite-only event.Sponsored by:
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