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: One Big Beautiful Bill in the Senate
How does the Senate's version of the budget reconciliation bill affect the philanthropic sector? Find out in this budget reconciliation-focused edition of Snapshot.
Designing a Foundation for Both Place-Based and Systems Change
In 2024, the Best Buy Foundation took an audacious leap. Building on its history of place-based work in its hometown of Minneapolis-St. Paul, it launched a national systems change effort around economic mobility for young people. This created a tension between its local and national strategies that…
How Foundations Can Affect Family Economic Stability Through Advocacy
The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga and The Pew Charitable Trusts will share examples of recent partnerships in Tennessee and Minnesota as well as strategies and tools to address eviction and court-enforced debt collection. This webinar will share key takeaways on how to engage donors,…
Leading Locally 2027
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Responding to a Congressional Inquiry
Legal Compliance Guidance
Developed for the Council on Foundations by Christopher J. Armstrong, Partner at Holland & Knight
Congress’s power to conduct inquiries, including information requests, the issuance of subpoenas, and public hearings has long been recognized by the courts as part of Congress’s power to…
Building Trust With Policymakers Using the Science of Storytelling
This webinar will help you use stories and data to communicate the value of philanthropy and charitable giving. It builds on research from “Philanthropy’s New Voice,” the largest study of narratives in philanthropy, which examined what types of stories are more likely to build trust, what…
Giving Is Here for Good
At a time when charitable giving is facing growing scrutiny, we’re launching Giving Is Here for Good — a national campaign advocating for the importance of the freedom to give and the enduring power of generosity in American life.
The Giving Is Here for Good campaign is designed to reach…
Washington Snapshot: Congress looking into NGOs
In this edition of Washington Snapshot, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (R-TN) and Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability Chairman Josh Brecheen (R-OK) sent letters to more than 200 nonprofit organizations. Plus, Senate committees' budget…
Washington Snapshot: More Budget Reconciliation and the Retirement Fairness for Charities Act
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share ongoing budget reconciliation updates along with an update on the Retirement Fairness for Charities and Educational Institutions Act. Plus, a new Department of Justice initiative, House Oversight Committee hearing, news from state legislatures, and…
Value of Philanthropy
Download these one-pagers to help show the value of philanthropy in communities across the country.
Generic Value of Philanthropy
Value of Philanthropy in the United States
These documents highlight the value of philanthropy in specific states:
Alabama
Arizona
California
Connecticut…
Dine-Arounds
Minneapolis-St. Paul is home to some amazing restaurants! Our Dine Arounds offer an opportunity to check out a local venue while getting to know your fellow attendees. These attendee-planned dinners are pay-as-you-go. Interested in organizing your own Dine Around? There's still time to plan one!
Learning Across Differences Ideas Forum - Reflections on the Journey
Join us for a discussion with John Hopkins professor Hahrie Han, author of “Undivided: The Quest for Racial Solidarity in an American Church.” Dr. Han will reflect on heartset: who do you need to be to bridge divides with others?
Permissible Exempt Purposes Under 501(c)(3)
Legal Compliance Guidance
This page outlines the range of purposes that qualify an organization for tax exemption under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. It explains how the IRS and courts interpret key terms — especially "charitable" — and how those interpretations shape eligibility.
Permissible Exempt…
The Power of Synergistic Nonprofit Co-Location and Cross-Utilization of Services
Nonprofit organizations are finding innovative ways to amplify impact through synergy, a concept that highlights the power of collaboration and interaction. When different entities work together, they can achieve outcomes far greater than on their own. This session explores the transformative…
Housing and Community Development Roundtable
As the landscape shifts for housing and community development projects, come hear from funders who have been tackling this issue with their communities through the booms and the busts, and then step into deep discussion with your peers to help support the work you're doing in your own community to…
Restoring Local Connection: Land, Water, and Culture at Owamniyomni
This session is offsite. Space on the bus is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Alternatively, the 1.7-mile walk would take approximately 40 minutes each way.
Join us for an immersive education session at Owamniyomni, the Dakota name for the sacred site of the Mississippi…