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.
HR Philanthropy Collaborative - February 2026
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…
Publication
Coming Together, Not Apart, is a three-publication series exploring philanthropy's involvement in developing the heartset, mindset, and skillset to lead collaboratively across differences. Specifically:Part 1: How Philanthropy Supports Connection in a Time of Dangerous DivisionComing…
Washington Snapshot: Foundations on the Hill
Foundations on the Hill 2026 arrives at a pivotal moment for the philanthropic sector. Plus, new legislation targeting nonprofits, federal government funding, and more.
After a year of research, the Council and the University of Florida’s Center for Public Interest Communications released “Philanthropy’s New Voice: Building Trust With Deeper Stories and Clear Language" in April 2024. As the largest study of narratives in philanthropy, it offers science-backed…
Publication
Coming Together, Not Apart: Building the Hearts, Minds, and Skills for Leading Across Differences is the third of three Council on Foundations publications exploring philanthropy's involvement in developing the heartset, mindset, and skillset to lead collaboratively across differences. It discusses…
Washington Snapshot: 2025 Year in Review
The last Washington Snapshot of the year. Looking back on 2025, state legislation taking effect in 2026, and more.
Philanthropic organizations face heightened attention and expectations. To support Council members, our Legal Resources team is hosting a webinar on what philanthropic organizations need to know to engage confidently and responsibly in civic engagement work.This session will focus on what…
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.
What 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 eighteen, funds from…
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…