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.

Learning Across Differences Ideas Forum - Understanding Polarization

Philanthropy has a unique opportunity to fund, support, and protect civil society institutions that contribute to building an inclusive democracy where everyone belongs. But, as funders, our ability to do so can be hampered by the pernicious divides that threaten to tear our society apart.…

Protecting Philanthropy - Latest Updates

Our commitment to serving you in Washington has never been more important, but we can’t do it alone. We all must be united in our commitment to an independent charitable sector that ensures we can all give according to our values. Our Government Affairs and Legal Resources team is keeping an eye…

Washington Snapshot: Updated Policy Resources

In this edition of Washington Snapshot we invite members to join us for Foundations on the Hill and share our updated policy resources hub on the Council website. We also continue to monitor the President’s executive actions and their potential impact on the philanthropic sector.

Building Together 2026

Building Together is the Council on Foundation's sector-wide gathering for philanthropic professionals eager to connect and collaborate across differences. This isn’t just another conference — it’s a dynamic learning experience where you’ll build the skills, strategies, and relationships…

Steadfast in our Commitment

In this time of extraordinary disruption for our nation, the stakes have never been higher for those of us working to advance the greater good. The suspension of federal grants and foreign aid, along with the dozens of executive orders curtailing the independence of nonprofits and corporations,…

Leading Across Differences - November Peer Learning Circle

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

Leading Across Differences - September Peer Learning Circle

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

Leading Across Differences - July Peer Learning Circle

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

Leading Across Differences - May Peer Learning Circle

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

Leading Across Differences - March Peer Learning Circle

This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences.  Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…

Washington Snapshot: Week One of the Second Trump Administration

In this edition of Washington Snapshot, HUD award applications are now open and we are currently tracking the Trump administration's first executive actions.

Foundations on the Hill 2025

Amplifying Our Sector's Voice At Foundations on the Hill, we bring together PSOs, foundations, sector leaders, and advocates to strengthen our collective impact on federal policy. This signature event provides an unparalleled opportunity to engage directly with legislators and policymakers while…

Coming Together, Not Apart: Inside the Work of Turning Conflict Into Collaboration

Publication
Coming Together, Not Apart: Inside the Work of Turning Conflict Into Collaboration is the second of three Council on Foundations publications exploring philanthropy's involvement in developing the heartset, mindset, and skillset to lead collaboratively across differences. It dives deep into how…

Listening to Learn: Your Feedback is Shaping the Future of the Council

Over the last five years, the Council on Foundations has been on a journey to become a learning organization—one that experiments with innovation, seeks fresh input, and keeps its eyes focused on the horizon. A key part of this commitment is listening to feedback from the 900+ organizations that…

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - April Peer Learning Circle

What are DEI Peer Learning Circles? DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In…

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - March Peer Learning Circle

What are DEI Peer Learning Circles? DEI Peer learning circles provide a unique opportunity for all Council members who are newer or in earlier stages of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives across their organizations to come together and embark on their DEI journeys. In…
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