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.
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.
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations
The Executive Network of Midsize Foundations is a member-only peer group for CEOs, Presidents, and Executive Directors at family, independent, operating, and other private grantmakers with less than 20 staff members.
This network is designed to connect you with your peer foundation leaders across…
Essentials of Policy Advocacy for Grantmakers – March 2025
Led by Council on Foundations staff and philanthropic leaders, this training will address policy advocacy strategies that support effective practices. Participants will gain helpful tools and resources while networking with peers who are developing and implementing their foundation’s advocacy…
Global Grantmaking Essentials - November 2025
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 Hours
Wednesday, November 12: 1:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Thursday,…
Essentials of Policy Advocacy for Grantmakers – September 2025
Led by Council on Foundations staff and philanthropic leaders, this training will address policy advocacy strategies that support racial equity and effective practices. Participants will gain helpful tools and resources while networking with peers who are developing and implementing their…
We Oppose H.R.9495
The Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum express our opposition to Section 4 of H.R.9495 and its predecessor, H.R.6408. We have no opposition to the provision in the bill postponing tax deadlines for those unlawfully or wrongfully…
Public Policy Action Network - December 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - October 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - June 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - April 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - February 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Global Grantmaking Essentials - April 2025
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 Hours
Tuesday, April 22: 1:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Thursday, April 24:…
Discussion Guide: Connecting Philanthropic Values and DEI Principles
Toolkit
Use this document to help initiate conversations about how your foundation's mission and values connect to integrating DEI policies and practices.
Summary and Analysis of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
As many of the provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) (P.L 115-97) expire at the end of 2025, the 119th Congress, led by Republican majorities in both chambers and the incoming Trump Administration, will prioritize passage of tax legislation. This page analyzes key provisions from the TCJA…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - November Peer Learning Circle
The Council on Foundations proudly unveils an exciting new member benefit tailored for foundations of all types, DEI Peer Learning Circles. This engagement opportunity is designed to connect foundation staff of all levels across the country who are working to explore, design, implement, or…
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