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.
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.
Q and A: What is Building Together 2026?
Building Together isn’t your typical conference — it’s a hands-on experience to help leaders at all levels build relationships and skills to connect and collaborate across difference. During the conference, you will learn, process, and practice in real time while developing the heartset,…
Join us for a conversation to learn more about applying to and participating in the 2026-27 Career Pathways Program.
During this session we will answer questions regarding:
2026-27 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and…
Join us for a conversation to learn more about applying to and participating in the 2026-27 Career Pathways Program.
During this session we will answer questions regarding:
2026-27 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and…
Washington Snapshot: Federal Government (Still) Shutdown
The federal government has been shut down since October 1. The Senate has remained in Washington, D.C. throughout the shutdown, holding over a dozen unsuccessful votes to pass a continuing resolution. Plus, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Senate Judiciary updates, National Religious Broadcasters…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…