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.
COVID-19 Philanthropy: Measuring One Year of Giving
The COVID-19 global pandemic defined 2020, and it will continue to impact much of the world in the foreseeable future. How did grantmakers and donors respond as communities worldwide struggled – especially Black, Indigenous and people of color as well as other populations that have been…
Leaning Toward Trust: Three Interwoven Narratives of Constructive Change in Disruptive Times
“A time of crisis is not just a time of anxiety and worry. It gives a chance, an opportunity, to choose well or to choose badly.” Archbishop Desmond Tutu
The COVID-19 pandemic forced foundations and nonprofits alike to urgently reconsider their ways of working. Some chose to pull back, while…
Utilizing the Global Goals Mapping Tool
Join us for a one hour webinar to discuss The Global Goals Mapping Tool. The Global Goals Mapping Tool is a comprehensive resource that maps giving and volunteerism using both the IRS National Taxonomy of Exempt Entities (NTEE) codes and the United Nations International Classification of Nonprofit…
Welcoming A New Group of Innovative Leaders to the Council's Board of Directors
The Council on Foundations today announced the appointment of four nonprofit leaders to its Board of Directors, as well as the renomination of two current members for a second term. New members include: Martha I. Jimenez, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of The California Endowment;…
Values-Aligned Philanthropy
The Problem of Hate
Over the past several years, anti-democratic extremism, hate speech, and politically motivated violence have increasingly threatened many of the most cherished values in civil society. Although the vast majority of philanthropic funding goes to charities acting to advance the…
Supporting You in the Work Ahead
For over 70 years, the Council has supported philanthropy’s efforts to advance the greater good amidst persistent global challenges. Over the past 12 months we have faced crises unlike anything we have seen before, including the recent assault on our democracy. And yet, while the struggles we face…
Career Pathways 2021 Program Information Session
The Career Pathways program is a highly selective pipeline expansion opportunity open to individuals from diverse backgrounds who are currently employed in foundations, grantmaking institutions and industries outside of philanthropy. This leadership preparation course is designed for mid-…
Career Pathways - Waldman Scholarship
About the Waldman Scholarship
In 2019, the philanthropic sector lost one of its brightest lights. As Vice President of Human Resources and Administration for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, David Waldman, advocated for and embodied the Foundation’s “culture of health,” ensuring that staff were…
Statement Condemning Violence at the Capitol
On January 6, 2021 at the United States Capitol we witnessed inexcusable acts of violence and criminal behavior as a predominantly white mob attempted to disrupt the rightful certification of the results of a democratic election. This is an unprecedented moment in modern American history and one…
Council on Foundations Holiday Schedule
Our offices will be closed for the holidays between December 24th and January 4th as we take time to relax with loved ones and prepare to face 2021 with renewed enthusiasm and focus.
We know you may have time-sensitive legal or membership questions as you close out 2020. To support you, Council…
Leading Together 2021
This is not your typical year.
This is not your typical Zoom.
From June 14-17, foundation and philanthropic leaders came together to connect on critical issues, engage in transformative conversations, and build the trust needed to create real change.
Featured speakers…
Washington Snapshot: Congress' To Do List
Note: Snapshot will not be published while Congress has adjourned for Thanksgiving recess.
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot...
News from the Council
News from the Hill
Executive and Regulatory Affairs
Happening in the States
News from the Council
Nonprofit Community…
2020 Member Week - Ask Me Anything FAQs
What is the Philanthropy Exchange?
The Philanthropy Exchange is a peer-to-peer platform that connects Council members around shared interests, topics, or resources. The Exchange is a member-only benefit open to Council members and invited guests. To help you get started on the Exchange, here is a…
A Post Election Message from Kathleen Enright
The Council on Foundations joins all Americans in expecting a careful accounting of all votes and an expeditious and certain outcome in the 2020 Presidential election. Whatever the result, we are heartened by the historic turnout because a healthy democracy depends on robust participation…
New Nicaraguan Legislation Impacts Foreign Foundation Grantmaking
This page will be updated as new information is made available about these laws. Please bookmark it for future reference.
Last updated November 2, 2020.
On Thursday October 15, 2020, The Law for the Regulation of Foreign Agents, or Ley de Regulación de Agentes Extranjeros, was enacted…
Ask Me Anything with Kathleen Enright and Council Leaders
Do you have a question about the strategic direction of the Council? Curious how the team is managing in uncertain times? Or just want to get to know the team better? This is the time to ask us anything.
This event will take place on the Philanthropy Exchange, the Council’s peer-to-peer…