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.

Strengthening Local DEI Efforts in Philanthropy

This interactive peer-led session is designed to be a collaborative space for DEI practitioners to collectively brainstorm, strategize, and problem-solve around the evolving challenges and opportunities in philanthropy and nonprofit work. Rather than a panel or traditional discussion, this session…

Supporting Local Community Development Through Affordable Energy

This session will discuss the role philanthropies can take in funding local solar energy projects and the benefits these projects can bring to communities. Hear from philanthropies, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and a developer--highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration…

Caring for Ourselves and Others in Complex Times

Place-based funders remain committed to serving their communities, including through periods of political and cultural turmoil. For staff to perform at their best, they must also care for themselves. How can executive leaders make sure that happens while practicing their own self-care and…

Supporting Local Priorities with a Global Portfolio

Companies can lead locally in their headquarters' market, while at the same time investing in communities where their global employees live and work. 3M achieves this through a strategic partnership with GlobalGiving, leveraging its expertise in international philanthropy to support locally-led…

Career Pathways Alumni Homecoming

Hosted by Career Pathways Over the past 10 years, the Career Pathways (CP) alumni network has grown to over 200. We are excited to announce our first in-person homecoming, gathering participants from across all cohorts! This pre-conference is an opportunity to explore future philanthropic…

Building Trust with Policymakers Using the Science of Storytelling

You’re already doing the work of helping your communities thrive. Now let’s make sure you can talk about it in a way that builds buy-in and trust with a key audience: policymakers. This workshop will help you use stories and data to communicate the value of philanthropy and charitable giving. It…

Building Trust in Community Through National-Local Collaboration

Across the nation, communities are facing a crisis of connection, with a 2023 survey revealing that 74% of Americans feel a sense of non-belonging in their local communities. In 2022-23, the Walmart Foundation funded the Belonging Innovation Lab, a program providing subgrants, training, and…

Sustained Collaboration Funders Convening

Hosted by Sustained Collaboration Network (SCN) Funders have been coming together in communities across the country to collectively fund nonprofit collaboration in order to help nonprofits meet increased demand for services, achieve economies of scale, or navigate high-stakes executive…

Building the Durability of Detroit’s Youth-Serving Institutions

Something new is happening in Detroit. The local donor community recently launched the Michigan Central Station Children’s Endowment Initiative (MCSCEI) to ensure that the most critical youth-serving institutions are set up to support the community for the long haul. Ten nonprofit agencies will…

Building Strong Communities Across Divides

Community and place-based foundations are building common ground in the communities they serve. The intended audience for this session is leaders of community and place-based foundations who are curious about what they can do to help bridge divides constructively. Participants will leave…

Building Grassroots Impact and Sustainability by Reimagining Fiscal Sponsorship

In 2018, the largest fiscal sponsor in Baltimore, serving over 150 independent projects, started showing signs of fiscal mismanagement. Ultimately, the organization pulled out of fiscal sponsorship, causing harm to dozens of mostly Black-led community organizations that were unable to recover these…

The Role of Community Philanthropy in Advancing Immigrant Inclusion

Local foundations play a critical role in fostering welcoming environments for immigrants. This session explores how philanthropy can support immigrant inclusion through investments, partnerships, and programming. Leaders from the Walder Foundation and Welcoming America will share examples, lessons…

Building Capacity Through Pooled Funds

Discover how pooled funds and collaborative grantmaking foster nonprofit resilience by supporting key capacity-building activities, such as executive transitions and sustained collaboration. This session will  highlight how funders can flexibly support nonprofits through intermediary giving…

The Role of Place Based Funders in Keeping People and Communities Safe

When someone is harmed by those meant to support them, an organizations’ inability to prevent abuse receives intense public scrutiny, as seen with cases such as U.S. Gymnastics and the Boy Scouts. But what is the role of foundations in ensuring that their grantees are preventing harm? How do you…

Building Bridges for a Vibrant Future

This session will explore how national place-based funders play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community through collaboration. Participants will learn from case studies from local service partners that illustrate successful strategies for community engagement and practical tools for…

Building a Culture of Dialogue Across Differences - SOLD OUT

Hosted by Council on Foundations Participants in this half-day workshop will be introduced to Resetting the Table’s celebrated approach to developing the tools to build a culture of productive dialogue on charged issues even in the face of strong differences. Participants exchange views and…
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