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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Investing in What We Have Yet to Learn
This piece was originally published by Raikes Foundation on November 9, 2026.Editor's note: This piece is part of "First Movers," a series from foundation leaders reflecting on moments when the charitable sector backed new and untested ideas, and the people behind them, before anyone else would,…
Ideas Ignite
What can an idea ignite? A spark that stays with you for days. A fresh perspective that changes how you see an issue. A conversation that challenges the status quo and opens new possibilities. When ideas take hold, they can move us forward.Ideas Ignite, one of the three experiences of Shaping the…
Forward Together
No single organization or individual can shape philanthropy’s future alone. We are stronger when we share our stories, highlight our collective impact, and work together to achieve our goals. As part of Forward Together, philanthropy leaders will have the opportunity to connect with peers and meet…
The Summit
The Summit, one of the three experiences of Shaping the Future: Philanthropy & Public Policy, is a highly participatory, one-day gathering where attendees will explore fresh ideas together, debate recommendations, and chart a path toward a more modern philanthropic sector. Together, we will…
Food Security in North Texas
Maria Sanchez (@mariajsanchez) shares how experiencing food insecurity growing up led her to volunteer with the North Texas Food Bank (@northtexasfoodbank) to give back to her local community.
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When the Hardest Conversations are with Our Allies
America’s bitter divisions can’t be addressed simply by bringing together people with opposing views. Some of the most important work happens within our own political, religious, and social groups.That’s a lesson Braver Angels learned after the 2016 election. The organization initially focused on…
2026 End-of-Year Ask Me Anything: Private Foundations
As 2026 draws to a close, private foundations are balancing year-end grantmaking, compliance requirements, and planning for the year ahead. Join us for an open office hours session where the Council’s Legal Resources team will answer any questions you may have about key legal and tax considerations…
Deep Dive into Charitable Assistance for Employees and Communities - June 2027
Join the Council’s Legal Resources team to learn how charitable assistance programs can support employees and communities facing disasters or personal hardships. This workshop will distinguish between qualified disaster relief and hardship assistance and outline legal requirements for employer-…
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…
Essentials of Policy Advocacy for Grantmakers – October 2027
Participants will leave with actionable tools, a refreshed understanding of compliance, and a blueprint for bringing policy work into your organization. The training will dive into practical strategies that blend direct services with advocacy, learning how to leverage available resources, from…
Self-Dealing Basics for Corporate and Private Foundations - September 2027
Join the Council’s Legal Resources team for an in-depth look at the self-dealing rules applicable to private foundations under section 4941 of the Internal Revenue Code. This workshop will provide an in-depth review of the rules against self-dealing, where they come from and what they involve.…
Self-Dealing Basics for Corporate and Private Foundations - April 2027
Join the Council’s Legal Resources team for an in-depth look at the self-dealing rules applicable to private foundations under section 4941 of the Internal Revenue Code. This workshop will provide an in-depth review of the rules against self-dealing, where they come from and what they involve.…
Global Grantmaking Essentials - March 2027
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 HoursTuesday, March 23: 1-5 p.m. ETThursday, March 25: 1-5 p.m.…
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…