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.
Basics of Civic Engagement for Foundations
Philanthropic organizations face heightened attention and expectations. To support Council members, our Legal Resources team hosted a webinar on what philanthropic organizations need to know to engage confidently and responsibly in civic engagement work.This session covered what organizations can…
Better Stories, Better Language: The Ethics of Great Storytelling
We’ll discuss the essential elements of stories that are authentic, accurate, and ethical and that serve our communities and issues well.
In this session, you’ll learn:
How to incorporate a range of voices into your stories, including those closest to the issue, decisionmakers and…
Better Stories, Better Language: Building Trust, Showing Your Value, and Using Language That Resonates
Annual reports, 990 PFs, and all the other language foundations use don’t help people understand what we do. This workshop will help you replace the jargon and harmful metaphors with visual, memorable language. You’ll also learn the essential elements of stories that build trust. Bring your…
Better Stories, Better Language: Showing Your Work
In this session, you’ll learn to align your stories with your theory of change and develop meaningful measurements that go beyond clicks, likes and shares.
You’ll learn:
How to set meaningful goals that align with your organization’s mission and theory of change.
How to write a theory of…
Washington Snapshot: Congressional Philanthropy Caucus Launched
This week, Representatives Blake Moore (R-UT) and Danny Davis (D-IL) announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Philanthropy Caucus. Plus, IRS guidance on Trump Accounts, new AAER case, tax conformity in the states, and more.
Trump Accounts Explainer
Updated July 7, 2026What are Trump Accounts?Trump Accounts are new accounts—structured as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) but with special rules—that are created or organized for the exclusive benefit of a child. U.S. citizens with social security numbers are eligible. Once the child turns…
2026 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…
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 for…
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 for…
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 for…
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 for…
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 for…
HR Philanthropy Collaborative - December 2025
This is a peer-led space designed to connect you with human resources leaders at foundations across the country. The group will build meaningful relationships, share resources, and provide a consistent opportunity to engage in collaborative troubleshooting in a trusted environment. Meeting every…
This event is the Council's annual retreat for early-tenure private foundation, corporate foundation and giving program 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 Tiffany Benjamin…
Building Common Ground Survey
Research
This survey was conducted by Hattaway Communications from September 30 to October 8, 2025, to better understand how Americans think about connecting and collaborating across differences and the role that foundations should play.1,000 American adults—nationally representative by age, gender, race/…
Washington Snapshot: Federal Government Shutdown Comes to an End
On November 12, the House passed a continuing resolution and minibus package of appropriations bills, marking the end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Plus, Building Together 2026, support for nonprofits impacted by changes in federal grants, and more.