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: Maintaining the Momentum
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share how members can continue to build momentum following Foundations on the Hill, as well as everything we continue to track in DC.
Learning Across Differences Ideas Forum - The Connection Opportunity
On April 23rd, 2025 The Council on Foundations started a new series called, "Learning Across Differences Ideas Forum". Watch this inaugural session with speakers from More in Common, and the Walmart Foundation for an in-depth discussion of new More in Common research entitled The…
Court Cases We Are Monitoring
Legal Compliance Guidance
Overview
The Council is committed to helping our members stay informed about litigation that may have an impact on the philanthropic sector. This resource is designed to be a guide to cases that could impact the operations of foundations and other grantmaking organizations. For a more…
Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Report: Administrative Expense Tables
The Grantmaker Salary and Benefits (GSB) Administrative and Program Expense Tables provide your foundation the data you need to benchmark your organization's administrative, program, service, and qualifying distribution expenses against peers in the field. Containing data collected through the…
2025 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Survey (GSB)
Since 1980, the Council's Grantmaker Salary and Benefits (GSB) Survey has provided the sector with the most comprehensive data on staff composition and compensation in the United States. Grantmakers rely on this annual report to plan budgets, benchmark personnel policies and practices, determine…
Washington Snapshot: What We're Tracking This Week
In this edition of Washington Snapshot, we are tracking new legislation from Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) as well as continued federal cuts and the ongoing budget reconciliation debate.
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.…
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations - November Call
Join us for the November 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…
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations - September 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 - July Call
Join us for the July 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…
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 a 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 needed to navigate divides…
Member Policy Briefing: Large Private Foundation CEOs - June 2025
The Council is hosting a series of monthly Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for leaders from family, independent, and private operating foundations, including Presidents, CEOs, and Executive Directors to…
Member Policy Briefing: Large Private Foundation CEOs - May 2025
The Council is hosting a series of monthly Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for leaders from family, independent, and private operating foundations, including Presidents, CEOs, and Executive Directors to…
Member Policy Briefing: Large Private Foundation CEOs - April 2025
The Council is hosting a series of monthly Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for leaders from family, independent, and private operating foundations, including Presidents, CEOs, and Executive Directors to…