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.
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…
Summer Member Policy Briefing - August 2025
The Council is hosting a series of Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for leaders from Council members, including Presidents, CEOs, and Executive Directors to stay informed and exchange perspectives on how…
Summer Member Policy Briefing - July 2025
The Council is hosting a series of Member Policy Briefings as a forum for philanthropic leaders to navigate the shifting landscape. This briefing is exclusively for leaders from Council members, including Presidents, CEOs, and Executive Directors to stay informed and exchange perspectives on how…
Washington Snapshot: Ongoing budget reconciliation
In this edition of Washington Snapshot we share additional budget reconciliation updates after the Ways and Means Committee approved the tax bill component of the broader reconciliation bill along party lines early Wednesday morning. Plus, resources to reach out to your members of Congress about…
Estimated Increases in Taxes on Net Investment Income for US-Based 501(c)(3) Private Foundations
External Resource
Increasing taxes on private foundations means fewer dollars to charitable organizations, from food pantries to disaster relief groups. The below data from Candid shows that in almost every state, private foundations will have to pay millions more in taxes, crippling their ability to respond to the…
Briefing on the Tax Bill: Post Ways & Means Mark-up
Please note that the content of this webinar was recorded on May 15, 2025, and is subject to change. Please see the Latest Updates & Resources Page for the most current information.
The House Committee on Ways and Means formally announced last week that it will mark up its tax…
The Council Opposes Tax Increase That Would Hurt Local Nonprofits and Communities
Congress should protect philanthropy’s ability to support causes from food pantries to disaster relief.
Today, House Republicans released the updated text of a tax package, which includes a proposed increase in the excise tax on net investment income for private foundations. In addition to a…
Summary of Ways and Means Chairman's Mark
Legal Compliance Guidance
On May 9, 2025, the House Ways and Means Committee released initial legislative text of the tax bill to be marked up this week. The Committee is expected to release a revised and more substantive bill Monday afternoon, so the provisions below could be modified and are subject to change.
Individual…
One, Big, Beautiful Bill: Impact on Philanthropy
Last updated: July 8, 2025.
H.R.1 is now federal law; here's the final bill text.
With many of the provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) (P.L. 115-97) expiring at the end of 2025, the 119th Congress passed legislation through the reconciliation process that extends several TCJA…
The Charitable Sector Urgently Needs Your Voice
The charitable sector urgently needs your voice. On Tuesday, May 13, Congress will begin considering a tax package that will likely include a substantial increase to the excise tax on net investment income for private foundations. For the largest private foundations, it may expand to as much as 10…
Tell Your Members of Congress to Protect Philanthropy
Find your member of Congress and their contact information
We're asking you to reach out to your Member of Congress to voice concerns with provisions in the tax bill that could impact philanthropy. You may only have a couple of minutes to make your point as staff will be receiving similar requests…
Self-Defense Communications Regarding the Section 4940 Excise Tax on Net Investment Income
Legal Compliance Guidance
Self-Defense Exception: A legislative proposal to modify the private foundation excise tax on net investment income under IRC section 4940 would qualify as a self-defense issue, because it affects a private foundation’s duties. Private foundations may therefore communicate with the legislature, its…