Private Foundations
Private foundations make grants based on charitable endowments. The endowment funds come from one or a small handful of sources -- an individual, a family or a corporation. Because of their endowments, they are focused primarily on grantmaking and generally do not raise funds or seek public financial support the way public charities (like community foundations) must.
“Private foundation” is the umbrella term that includes corporate, independent, family, and operating foundations. As of 2011, there were 73,764 private foundations in the United States (Foundation Center, 2011).
In 2011, private foundations held more than $604 billion in assets and gave away more than $45 billion (Foundation Center, 2011).
Below is everything on our site for private 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.
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Conservation, Education, and Community in Nebraska
Natalie Kovarik (@nataliekovarik) shares how a generous gift from two Nebraska farmers, Walt and Virginia Bagley, has become a 145 acre nature preserve with support from the Lincoln Community Foundation and many other local nonprofits.
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Eat, Drink, and Change Lives in Georgia
Corey Jones (@coreymjones3) shares how Cafe Momentum, with support from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation (@blankfoundation), is providing young people in Atlanta with opportunities for paid internships, mentoring, education, and real-world experience to build the skills they'll need to thrive…
Career Pathways 2027-28 Application Office Hours
During this session, expect to discuss:2027-28 program scheduleCurriculumApplication ProcessWaldman ScholarshipProgram benefits, outcomes, and much more!Details to Note:Come prepared with questions for the Q&A sectionThis session will be recordedApplications for the Career Pathways 2027-28…
Career Pathways 2027-28 Program Information Session
During this session, expect to discuss:2027-28 program scheduleCurriculumApplication ProcessWaldman ScholarshipProgram benefits, outcomes, and much more!Details to Note:Come prepared with questions for the Q&A sectionThis session will be recordedApplications for the next Career Pathways Cohort…
Summary: the International Criminal Court’s Designation as a Specially Designated National Under Executive Order 14203
Updated October 15, 2026Prepared for the Council by Lowenstein Sandler LLPOn October 9, 2026, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”) as an institution, under section 1(a)(ii)(A) of Executive Order 14203, “Imposing Sanctions on the…
501(c)(4) Organizations and Nonprofit Political Activity
The Issue501(c)(4) social welfare organizations are tax-exempt nonprofits that operate primarily to promote the common good and general welfare of their communities. Unlike 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, 501(c)(4)s may engage in unlimited lobbying related to their missions and may participate…
Community Investment in Kentucky
Gerry Brooks (@gerrybrooksprin) shares how organizations like The Foundation for Appalachia and their Sycamore Project are using community investment, research, and on-the-ground organizing, to build toward a healthier future for the region and for Kentucky.
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Protecting the Henry's Fork in Idaho
Kori Keyes (@korikeyes) shares how support for the Henry's Fork Foundation from the M.J. Charitable Trust is helping to protect the land and water that supports wildlife, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and the local communities around Ashton, Idaho.
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2026 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Report
Publication, Research
The 2026 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Report contains the most comprehensive and up-to-date data on U.S. philanthropic sector salaries, benefits, and demographic details, with information presented by grantmaker type, foundation type, asset size, and geographic location. The 2026 Grantmaker…
Washington Snapshot: IRS 2026-2027 Priority Guidance Plan
With members of Congress on recess until after the midterm elections, Snapshot will be taking a break until mid-November unless there is breaking news impacting the sector.On Tuesday, the IRS released its 2026-2027 Priority Guidance Plan. The plan details the agency’s priorities through September…
2026 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Report: Board Compensation Tables
Publication, Research
The 2026 Board Compensation Tables provide foundation board and staff with the tools they need to benchmark their board compensation policies and practices against peers in the field. This report contains data collected through the Council’s 2026 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Survey and presented…
Neighborhood Investment in Akron, Ohio
Lauran Wooley (@mrs.woolleyin5th) shares how The Well Community Dev. Corp. (Well CDC)(@thewellakron) in Akron, Ohio, along with support from the Knight Foundation (@knightfdn), is investing in the Middlebury neighborhood to improve quality of life for residents. Affordable housing, economic…
Reducing Wildlife Vehicle Collisions in Wyoming
Ashlee (@thesassybarn) shares WYLDlife Fund, with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, are building new wildlife crossings along Wyoming highways to keep residents and wildlife safe.
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Support for Community Health Leaders in Colorado
Ania Morton (@aniamorton) shares how Cultivando, with support from The Denver Foundation (@tdfcommunity), is training community health leaders through their Promotora Model and creating pathways for community-driven change and long-term wellbeing.
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The Ticket Trap: Know the Rules Before You RSVP
Legal Compliance Guidance
Tickets, tables, and gala invitations may seem like a simple perk of philanthropic giving. For foundation managers, however, they are often far more complex than they appear. If you manage a family, corporate, or community foundation, you have probably faced the question, "Can we use these?" The…
2026 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Report: Key Findings
Research
The 2026 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits (GSB) Key Findings is a visual highlight of the trends and changes that are shaping the philanthropic sector.Also available as a free PDF, the 2026 GSB Key Findings is just a small fraction of the expansive dataset available in the 2026 GSB Report, which…