Corporate Giving Programs and Foundations
Corporate Philanthropy refers to the investments and activities a company voluntarily undertakes to responsibly manage and account for its impact on society. It includes investments of money, donations of products, in-kind services and technical assistance, employee volunteerism, and other business transactions to advance a social cause, issue, or the work of a nonprofit organization. Corporate foundations and corporate giving programs traditionally play a major role in these areas.
Due to the large number of resources on our website, we highly recommend you use the site navigation or the search feature to find what you are looking for.
FAQ: Disaster Grantmaking for Corporate Grantmakers
Legal Compliance Guidance, Fundamentals
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, corporate grantmakers often wish to address the needs of employees and the community at large. Grantmakers must understand the legal rules that govern disaster grantmaking. Below are the answers to many common questions on providing disaster relief.
Although…
Equivalency Determination or Expenditure Responsibility
Legal Compliance Guidance
Private foundations wishing to make a cross-border grant must ensure that:
The grant is clearly for a charitable purpose, and
The grant counts as a qualifying distribution for the purpose of meeting the foundation’s annual distribution requirement.
The easiest way for a private foundation to…
Sample Conflict of Interest Policy
Legal Compliance Guidance
Editable conflict of interest policies for staff and board members.
This sample document is being provided for informational purposes and is not to be shared without the permission of the Council on Foundations. Use of the sample document does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the…
Starting a Foundation
Fundamentals
Does the Council on Foundations provide assistance with starting a foundation?
Can we join the Council before our foundation is formed?
What are the general steps in starting a foundation?
Should we set up our foundation as a trust or a corporation?
What are the costs of starting a…
Public Disclosure Requirements for Foundations
Legal Compliance Guidance
Every organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code is required to disclose certain information to the public:
The organization’s exemption application, Form 1023, is subject to public disclosure, along with any documents supporting the application and any letters from…
IRS Search Tool: Select Check
External Resource
Grantmakers searching for more detailed information about the charitable status of their potential grantees may find the answers they need in the IRS Select Check tool.
This IRS online search tool allows the user to:
(1) search the IRS public charity list, known as IRS Publication 78, for…
Career Pathways
About the Career Pathways Program
Career Pathways is a leadership program that aims to awaken inherent and authentic leadership in individuals committed to strengthening their practice and building connections. This 10-month hybrid program is rigorous, highly personal, and built for mid-to…
Legal Matters for Corporate Foundations and Giving Programs - Virtual - June 2026
Led by the Council on Foundations Legal team, this workshop is flexibly organized to ensure that your broad legal questions for administering funds, grants, and corporate foundation activities are addressed. The legal team will provide technical and practical understanding of complex rules and…
Global Grantmaking Essentials - October 2026
Led by Council on Foundations staff with collectively decades of experience with global philanthropy, the Global Grantmaking Essentials will also feature guest speakers with deep knowledge on specific issues or countries.
Course Hours
Tuesday, October 20: 1-5 p.m. ET
Thursday,…
Career Pathways 2026-27 Program Information Session
Career Pathways is a leadership development cohort program designed to accelerate the careers of diverse professionals in the philanthropic sector. Graduates of the program will deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and hone their leadership skills to advance the field.
Career Pathways…
Global Grantmaking Essentials - April 2026
Led by Council on Foundations staff with collectively decades of experience with global philanthropy, the Global Grantmaking Essentials will also feature guest speakers with deep knowledge on specific issues or countries.
Course Hours
Tuesday, April 7: 1-5 p.m. ET
Thursday, April 9…
Corporate Social Impact Staff Network - November Call
The Corporate Social Impact Staff Network is a member-only peer group for non–executive staff at corporate foundations and giving programs.
This peer space is designed to connect you with your peers across the country to build meaningful relationships and provide a consistent opportunity for you…
Corporate Social Impact Staff Network - September Call
The Corporate Social Impact Staff Network is a member-only peer group for non–executive staff at corporate foundations and giving programs.
This peer space is designed to connect you with your peers across the country to build meaningful relationships and provide a consistent opportunity for you…
Corporate Social Impact Staff Network - July Call
The Corporate Social Impact Staff Network is a member-only peer group for non–executive staff at corporate foundations and giving programs.
This peer space is designed to connect you with your peers across the country to build meaningful relationships and provide a consistent opportunity for you…
Corporate Social Impact Staff Network - May Call
The Corporate Social Impact Staff Network is a member-only peer group for non–executive staff at corporate foundations and giving programs.
This peer space is designed to connect you with your peers across the country to build meaningful relationships and provide a consistent opportunity for you…
Corporate Social Impact Staff Network - March Call
The Corporate Social Impact Staff Network is a member-only peer group for non–executive staff at corporate foundations and giving programs.
This peer space is designed to connect you with your peers across the country to build meaningful relationships and provide a consistent opportunity for you…