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.
Looking to 2025: Making Sense of the Elections
The 2025 Election results will alter dynamics in Washington, D.C. National political analyst and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, Amy Walter, breaks down what the election results could mean for your work and for the U.S. broadly. In addition, government affairs experts provide…
Looking to 2025: What's at Stake?
As you know, most policy issues impacting philanthropy are tax policy issues. In December 2025, key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire, kicking off a race to develop new tax legislation. Even before we know the results of the 2024 election, Congressional…
Meet the Council Expert! Q&A with Yoo-Jin Kang, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
Yoo-Jin considers herself bi-coastal with roots in the Pacific Northwest and the D.C./DMV area. In addition to her work with the Council, she’s currently working towards a Master’s degree in Public Health at UC Berkeley. Her focus is on how racism impacts health, especially in the workplace. She…
2024 Advocacy Packet
Community Foundation Resources
Find resources for private foundations instead.
This packet contains what you need to set up, prep for, and attend a meeting with your Member of Congress and/or their staff. We’ve included resources about key legislation, data about the sector, and template letters…
August Recess 2024 - Additional Resources
Foundations work on a variety of issues, only some covered by this packet. Below, find additional resources on policy issues the Council has been working on this Congress. You may find them helpful to prep your team, bring to a meeting, or share with an office after the fact.
Understanding…
2024 UN General Assembly Philanthropic Side-Events
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2024 Annual Member Meeting
Join us for the Council's Annual Member Meeting. The virtual Member Meeting will:
Feature the State of the Council address from Kathleen Enright, President and CEO, Council on Foundations;
Approve nominations for the Board of Directors.
In advance, please also register to participate in the…
Summary of 11th Circuit Ruling in American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Fearless Fund
Background
On August 2, 2023, American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) filed a complaint against Fearless Fund claiming their Fearless Striver Grant Contest grant program violates Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. According to the official rules listed on Fearless Fund’s website…
Maintaining a Commitment to Equitable Giving Strategies Amid Legal Challenges
How can philanthropic organizations maintain a commitment to race-conscious and identity-based giving strategies in an evolving legal landscape?
Join us to explore the practical steps you can take to maintain your foundation’s commitment to race-conscious and identity-based programs. With…
Considerations for Working With 501(c)(3) NIL Collectives
Legal Compliance Guidance
More than 120 “NIL collectives” have been established in the U.S., many of them as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, to raise funds and enter into agreements that compensate student-athletes at specific higher-education institutions in exchange for using the student-athlete's name,…
Philanthropy's Response to 2024 US Storms
Overview
Throughout the United States, severe weather events are expected throughout the year. However, unusually warm temperatures have caused increased storm systems, often resulting in catastrophic severe weather events. As various local, state, and regional community foundations and…
New Bills Raise Concerns for Philanthropy
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On May 15, the House Ways and Means Committee held a mark up to consider five bills that would create new transparency and disclosure requirements for tax-exempt organizations, as well as increase penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of…
Leading Locally 2025
Event Highlights:
Inspiring Plenary Speakers: Hear from leaders shaping the future of local philanthropy and community development on topics like equity, sustainability, and community resilience.
Peer-to-Peer Sessions: Connect with attendees who will share their inspirations,…
Philanthropy's Response to the Haiti Humanitarian Crisis
Overview
Violence by groups armed with mostly American firearms has intensified in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, resulting in the internal displacement of 362,00 people, with nearly 50,000 people displaced since the beginning of the year. Due to the level of violence and…
Philanthropy's Response to the Taiwan Earthquake
Overview
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan causing massive landslides and destroying buildings and roads, causing at least 10 deaths. Despite being the most powerful earthquake in over 25 years, Taiwan's preventative measures and earthquake preparedness helped avoid mass casualties and…
Philanthropy's New Voice: Building Trust With Deeper Stories and Clear Language
Publication
United States foundations are an essential element of America’s social sector, supporting causes from public libraries to groundbreaking research, to new approaches to building a more equitable world. But despite their reach, foundations have an identity problem. From small towns to Washington, D.C…