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.
Washington Snapshot: 119th Congress Sworn In
Earlier this month, the 119th Congress kicked off. The House re-elected Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) Speaker, while the Senate elected Sen. John Thune (R-SD) Majority Leader. Leadership also announced members of all Committees.
Philanthropy's Response to 2025 California Wildfires
Overview
Wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area have forced nearly 180,000 people out of their homes and have left over 350,000 people without power. At least five fires have burned over 60 square miles causing it to be the most destructive fire in L.A. history. Both a state of emergency…
Retreat for New Foundation Executive Leaders - May 2025
This event is the Council's annual retreat for early-tenure foundation chief executives who want to step away from the challenges of their day-to-day and find renewed energy and motivation in fellowship with other new CEOs. Hosted by Jamie Merisotis and the Lumina Foundation, it will…
Policy Agenda for the 119th Congress
Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 900 member organizations, those large and small, urban and rural, community- and global-focused, in all 50 states and around the world.
The Council and our members work to create a policy environment in which philanthropy can grow…
Values-Aligned Philanthropy: Discussing Responsible Giving With Donors
Publication, Toolkit
Foundation leaders committed to values-aligned philanthropic policies, which ensure grantmaking efforts does not fund hate and extremism, emphasize the importance of ensuring all stakeholders understand both the policies and the reasons for their creation. Values-Aligned Philanthropy: Discussing…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Application Office Hours - February
Join us for the 2025-26 Career Pathways Program Information Session to learn more about applying to and participating in this program
During this session expect to discuss:
2025-26 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and much more…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Application Office Hours - January
Join us for the 2025-26 Career Pathways Program Information Session to learn more about applying to and participating in this program
During this session expect to discuss:
2025-26 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and much more…
Leading Across Differences - January 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…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Program Information Session
Career Pathways is a leadership development cohort program designed to accelerate the careers of diverse professionals in the philanthropic sector. Graduates of the program will deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and hone their leadership skills to advance the field.
Career…
2025 Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort Application Q&A
Are you looking for a supportive community of funders to help you build constructive dialogue and understanding across differences? You’ll get just that with the Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort.
The Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort is a facilitated virtual learning experience meeting…
Washington Snapshot: 119th Congress Preview
Our last Washington Snapshot of 2024 provides an overview of the 119th Congress being sworn in on January 3, 2025, and shares actions members can take to ensure Congress understands philanthropy’s work and our sector’s priorities.
Self-Defense Communications Exception for Private Foundations
Legal Compliance Guidance
Internal Revenue Code § 4945(e) allows private foundations to appear or communicate with a legislative body concerning a decision of that body that might affect the existence of the foundation, its powers and duties, its tax-exempt status, or the deductibility of contributions to it.
What…
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations - May Call
Join us for the May gathering of the Executive Network of Midsize Foundations to connect you with your peer foundation leaders across the country to build meaningful relationships and provide a consistent opportunity for you to engage in collaborative troubleshooting in a trusted environment…
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations - March Call
Join us for the March gathering of the Executive Network of Midsize Foundations to connect you with your peer foundation leaders across the country to build meaningful relationships and provide a consistent opportunity for you to engage in collaborative troubleshooting in a trusted environment…
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations - January Call
Join us for the launch of the Executive Network of Midsize Foundations to connect you with your peer foundation leaders across the country to build meaningful relationships and provide a consistent opportunity for you to engage in collaborative troubleshooting in a trusted environment.
This…
Washington Snapshot: Trump-Vance Administration Preview
This edition of Washington Snapshot previews the incoming presidential administration. Plus, a Charitable Giving Coalition sign-on letter, H.R.9495, Department of Transportation briefing, state ballot measures, state and local fiscal recovery funds, and more.