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: Secure your spot at Foundations on the Hill 2026
The landscape for philanthropy shifted in 2025. How is your organization preparing for what comes next in 2026 and beyond? Join us for Foundations on the Hill on March 16-19 to build the long-term advocacy skills needed to engage policymakers confidently and shape the environment in which…
Court Cases That Have Been Decided or Dismissed
Legal Compliance Guidance
The Council is committed to helping our members stay informed about litigation that may have an impact on the philanthropic sector. This page lists cases that we tracked through their conclusion, whether they were decided in court or by settlement. Please see our list of ongoing cases we are…
Bridging Without Breaking: Leadership in Polarizing Times (CEO Only)
Calls to bridge divides often collide with real tensions inside foundations – across boards, donors, DAF holders, staff, and grantees who hold differing political and ideological views. This CEO-only session features foundation CEOs grappling with those realities in real time, sharing how they set…
Strengthening Communities Through Language
Language shapes how communities experience trust, belonging, and collaboration—often in ways we don’t intend. This session is designed for funders interested in strengthening trust, reducing risk, and supporting community problem-solving through more intentional language choices.We’ll explore how…
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations - November
Join us for the Executive Network of Midsize Foundations gathering 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 Network…
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations - August
Join us for the Executive Network of Midsize Foundations gathering 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 Network…
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations - June
Join us for the Executive Network of Midsize Foundations gathering 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 Network…
Executive Network of Midsize Foundations - April
Join us for the Executive Network of Midsize Foundations gathering 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 Network…
Guidance Memorandum for Foundations for Interacting with Immigration Officials on their Property
Legal Compliance Guidance
Prepared by Leon Fresco, Partner at Holland & Knight LLP for the Council on Foundations | Finalized February 2026Download this guidance as a PDF.BackgroundThe purpose of this memo is to provide guidance to foundations for interacting with immigration agents on their property. Although there was…
Developed in partnership with Hattaway Communications, this free toolkit draws on our national survey of 1,000 American adults, in-depth one-on-one interviews, and a landscape analysis to reveal how people view work to connect and collaborate across differences and the role that foundations should…
S.3554/H.R.6800 Bill Summary
Summary of H.R.6800/ S.3554 introduced by Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) and Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT).Current LawIt is a criminal offense to provide “material support or resources” to a foreign terrorist organization. “Material support or resources” includes providing funding,…
Washington Snapshot: Supporting the sector
Earlier this week, Real Clear Politics published an op-ed by Council President and CEO Kathleen Enright responding to recent commentary criticizing the sector. Plus, new amicus brief, Foundations on the Hill 2026, and more.
Toolkit
Values-Aligned Philanthropy: Balancing Purpose, Responsibility, and Risk in Corporate Grantmaking is centered on helping address the unique challenges faced today by corporate foundations. These organizations can be more vulnerable to external pressures than other grantmaker types, balancing their…
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…
Coming Together, Not Apart: Publications
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.