Family Foundations

The Council on Foundations defines a family foundation as one whose funds are derived from members of a single family, though this is not a legal term and has no precise definition. The Council on Foundations suggests that family foundations have at least one family member serving as an officer or board member of the foundation and, as the donor, that individual (or a relative) must play a significant role in governing and/or managing the foundation. Most family foundations are run by family members who serve as trustees or directors on a voluntary basis. In many cases, second- and third-generation descendants of the original donors manage the foundation.

Family foundations make up over half of all private (family, corporate, independent, and operating) foundations, or 40,456 out of approximately 73,764 foundations (Foundation Center, 2011). Family foundations make up approximately one-third of the Council’s membership.

Family foundations range in asset size from a few hundred thousand dollars to more than $1 billion. The holdings of family foundations total approximately $294 billion, or about 44 percent of all foundation holdings of $662 billion. Despite this, three out of five family foundations hold assets of less than $1 million. Family foundations gave away approximately $21.3 billion in grants in 2011 (The Foundation Center, 2011).

Below is everything on our site for family foundations. 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.

One Year Later: How Has COVID-19 Reshaped Philanthropy?

  Philanthropy has responded to COVID-19 like no other crisis in recent memory. Through increased giving, reduced restrictions, and a deeper focus on listening to communities and partners, foundations, many of whom signed the Pledge, have stepped up in this moment of crisis. Now, a year…

Field Research: Philanthropy's Response to COVID-19

Lessons and data from the field on philanthropy's response to the pandemic, plus examinations of foundation practices that may become the new normal. Foundation Practices Philanthropy and COVID-19: Measuring One Year of Giving - Center for Disaster Philanthropy & Candid (February 2021)…

Letters to Government Officials

At the Council, we leverage our voice on behalf of the philanthropic sector and on issues affecting our members. We reach out to Congress, the White House, and federal agencies when necessary to ensure governmental leadership understands the priorities of philanthropy—and, when appropriate, we…

Philanthropy's Response to 2021 Severe Winter Storms

OVERVIEW In February, states across the United States saw extreme cold, snow, and ice in many areas unaccustomed to this type of weather. Southern states have seen the largest impact with large-scale power outages, boil water advisories, food shortages, extensive road closures, and deaths. A…

Impact Investing Handbook: An Implementation Guide for Practitioners

External Resource
Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors published the "Impact Investing Handbook: An Implementation Guide for Practitioners"—180 pages of helping asset owners turn interest into action. Two years in the making, this practical publication features case studies and detailed guidance for individuals,…

COVID-19 Philanthropy: Measuring One Year of Giving

The COVID-19 global pandemic defined 2020, and it will continue to impact much of the world in the foreseeable future. How did grantmakers and donors respond as communities worldwide struggled – especially Black, Indigenous and people of color as well as other populations that have been…

Leaning Toward Trust: Three Interwoven Narratives of Constructive Change in Disruptive Times

“A time of crisis is not just a time of anxiety and worry. It gives a chance, an opportunity, to choose well or to choose badly.”  Archbishop Desmond Tutu The COVID-19 pandemic forced foundations and nonprofits alike to urgently reconsider their ways of working. Some chose to pull back, while…

Utilizing the Global Goals Mapping Tool

Join us for a one hour webinar to discuss The Global Goals Mapping Tool. The Global Goals Mapping Tool is a comprehensive resource that maps giving and volunteerism using both the IRS National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) codes and the United Nations International Classification of Nonprofit…

Welcoming A New Group of Innovative Leaders to the Council's Board of Directors

The Council on Foundations today announced the appointment of four nonprofit leaders to its Board of Directors, as well as the renomination of two current members for a second term. New members include: Martha I. Jimenez, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of The California Endowment;…

Values-Aligned Philanthropy

The Problem of Hate Over the past several years, anti-democratic extremism, hate speech, and politically motivated violence have increasingly threatened many of the most cherished values in civil society. Although the vast majority of philanthropic funding goes to charities acting to advance the…

Supporting You in the Work Ahead

For over 70 years, the Council has supported philanthropy’s efforts to advance the greater good amidst persistent global challenges. Over the past 12 months we have faced crises unlike anything we have seen before, including the recent assault on our democracy. And yet, while the struggles we face…

Career Pathways 2021 Program Information Session

The Career Pathways program is a highly selective pipeline expansion opportunity open to individuals from diverse backgrounds who are currently employed in foundations, grantmaking institutions and industries outside of philanthropy.  This leadership preparation course is designed for mid-…

Statement Condemning Violence at the Capitol

On January 6, 2021 at the United States Capitol we witnessed inexcusable acts of violence and criminal behavior as a predominantly white mob attempted to disrupt the rightful certification of the results of a democratic election. This is an unprecedented moment in modern American history and one…

Council on Foundations Holiday Schedule

Our offices will be closed for the holidays between December 24th and January 4th as we take time to relax with loved ones and prepare to face 2021 with renewed enthusiasm and focus. We know you may have time-sensitive legal or membership questions as you close out 2020. To support you, Council…

Leading Together 2021

  This is not your typical year. This is not your typical Zoom. From June 14-17, foundation and philanthropic leaders came together to connect on critical issues, engage in transformative conversations, and build the trust needed to create real change.   Featured speakers…

Washington Snapshot: Congress' To Do List

Note: Snapshot will not be published while Congress has adjourned for Thanksgiving recess. In This Week's Edition of Snapshot... News from the Council News from the Hill Executive and Regulatory Affairs Happening in the States News from the Council Nonprofit Community…
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