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.
Equivalency Determination or Expenditure Responsibility
Legal Compliance Guidance
Private foundations wishing to make a cross-border grant must ensure that:
The grant is clearly for a charitable purpose, and
The grant counts as a qualifying distribution for the purpose of meeting the foundation’s annual distribution requirement.
The easiest way for a private foundation to…
Sample Conflict of Interest Policy
Legal Compliance Guidance
Editable conflict of interest policies for staff and board members.
This sample document is being provided for informational purposes and is not to be shared without the permission of the Council on Foundations. Use of the sample document does not create an attorney-client relationship, and the…
Starting a Foundation
Fundamentals
Does the Council on Foundations provide assistance with starting a foundation?
Can we join the Council before our foundation is formed?
What are the general steps in starting a foundation?
Should we set up our foundation as a trust or a corporation?
What are the costs of starting a…
Public Disclosure Requirements for Foundations
Legal Compliance Guidance
Every organization exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code is required to disclose certain information to the public:
The organization’s exemption application, Form 1023, is subject to public disclosure, along with any documents supporting the application and any letters from…
IRS Search Tool: Select Check
External Resource
Grantmakers searching for more detailed information about the charitable status of their potential grantees may find the answers they need in the IRS Select Check tool.
This IRS online search tool allows the user to:
(1) search the IRS public charity list, known as IRS Publication 78, for…
Career Pathways
About the Career Pathways Program
Career Pathways is a leadership program that aims to awaken inherent and authentic leadership in individuals committed to strengthening their practice and building connections. This 10-month hybrid program is rigorous, highly personal, and built for mid-to…
Washington Snapshot: More Budget Reconciliation and the Retirement Fairness for Charities Act
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share ongoing budget reconciliation updates along with an update on the Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act. Plus, a new Department of Justice initiative, House Oversight Committee hearing, news from state legislatures, and…
Value of Philanthropy
Download these one-pagers to help show the value of philanthropy in communities across the country.
Generic Value of Philanthropy
Value of Philanthropy in the United States
These documents highlight the value of philanthropy in specific states:
Alabama
Arizona
California
Connecticut…
Dine-Arounds
Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to some amazing restaurants! Our Dine Arounds offer an opportunity to check out a local venue while getting to know your fellow attendees. These attendee-planned dinners are pay-as-you-go. Interested in organizing your own Dine Around? There's still time to plan one!
Learning Across Differences Ideas Forum - Reflections on the Journey
Join us for a discussion with John Hopkins professor Hahrie Han, author of “Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church.” Dr. Han will reflect on heartset: who do you need to be to bridge divides with others?
The Power of Synergistic Nonprofit Co-Location and Cross-Utilization of Services
Nonprofit organizations are finding innovative ways to amplify impact through synergy, a concept that highlights the power of collaboration and interaction. When different entities work together, they can achieve outcomes far greater than on their own. This session explores the transformative…
Housing and Community Development Roundtable
As the landscape shifts for housing and community development projects, come hear from funders who have been tackling this issue with their communities through the booms and the busts, and then step into deep discussion with your peers to help support the work you're doing in your own community to…
Restoring Local Connection: Land, Water, and Culture at Owamniyomni
This session is offsite. Space on the bus is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, the 1.7-mile walk would take approximately 40 minutes each way.
Join us for an immersive education session at Owamniyomni, the Dakota name for the sacred site of the Mississippi…
Summer Member Policy Briefing - August 2025
The Council is hosting a series of Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for leaders from Council members, including Presidents, CEOs, and Executive Directors to stay informed and exchange perspectives on how…
Summer Member Policy Briefing - July 2025
The Council is hosting a series of Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for leaders from Council members, including Presidents, CEOs, and Executive Directors to stay informed and exchange perspectives on how…
Washington Snapshot: Ongoing budget reconciliation
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share additional budget reconciliation updates after the Ways and Means Committee approved the tax bill component of the broader reconciliation bill along party lines early Wednesday morning. Plus, resources to reach out to your members of Congress about…