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.
Mexico: From Prosperity to Purpose - Perspectives on Philanthropy and Social Investment Among Wealthy Individuals in Latin America
This report from the Harvard Kennedy School's Houser Institute for Civil Society examines trends in philanthropy and social investment in Mexico.
Private Philanthropy Update—January 2019
Happy New Year!
As I settle back into the office after a relaxing holiday break, the Council is preparing for an exciting year ahead: our office is moving back to downtown Washington D.C. in February, our new President & CEO Kathleen Enright arrives in March and we are finishing plans for our…
Telling Stories with Data
Members, View the Recording
These days, foundations increasingly have access to a treasure trove of data from the work of grantees and from public sources. But rather than share these data in spreadsheet format, it’s advantageous to create graphs, tables, maps, and other visual summaries of…
Updates on Global Giving and Non-Tax US Regulations that Impact Funders
Members, View the Recording
Join the Council’s senior counsel Suzanne Friday as she discusses US regulation and compliance issues outside of the U.S. Tax Code that affect global grantmakers. Topics will includes regulations like the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA), Foreign Corrupt Practices…
Legal Matters for Corporate and Private Foundations - Philadelphia, PA
Led by Suzanne Friday, Senior Counsel and Vice President of Legal Affairs for the Council on Foundations, and Lindsay Mason, Director of Corporate Philanthropy, this workshop is organized to ensure common legal questions for administering grants, board governance and charitable giving…
Private Philanthropy Update - December 2018
At the Council, we are always looking for ways to celebrate and highlight the important work our members are leading around the country and around the world.
Stephen Heintz speaks on the state of philanthropy after accepting the Distinguished Service Award.
Last month, we…
Washington Snapshot: Congress Postpones Spending Fight, Honors Former President Bush
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Spending Debate Postponed as Congress Honors Former President George H. W. Bush
Bill Including Repeal of New UBIT Provision Pulled from Consideration
Michigan Bill Seeks to Obstruct Nonprofit Oversight
News from the Hill
Spending Debate Postponed as…
Uganda: Data Strategy and Capacity Building
This resource from Foundation Center presents a summary report of a series of workshops on data strategy and capacity building for philanthropy in Uganda.
South Africa 2015 Report
This article from Coutts summarizes key charitable giving data in South Africa.
Doing Good Index 2018: Maximizing Asia's Potential
This report from the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society examines the enabling environments for philanthropy and private social investment in 15 Asian countries.
Getting Started with Grantmaking in Indonesia
Getting Started is a new members-only resource within Country Notes. To help connect you to others working in Indonesia, we have identified:
Local nonprofit and philanthropic networks
Key local legal contacts
U.S. foundations with local offices
National listing of certified NGOs
Local…
Getting Started with Grantmaking in Nigeria
Getting Started is a new members-only resource within Country Notes. To help connect you with others working in Nigeria, we have identified:
Local nonprofit and philanthropic networks
Key local legal contacts
U.S. foundations with local offices
You may also want to reference our…
Getting Started with Grantmaking in China
Getting Started is a new members-only resource within Country Notes. To help connect you with others working in China, we have identified:
Local nonprofit and philanthropic networks
Key local legal contacts
U.S. foundations with local offices
Local community foundations…
Getting Started with Grantmaking in Kenya
Getting Started is a new members-only resource within Country Notes. To help connect you with others working in Kenya, we have identified:
Local nonprofit and philanthropic networks
Key local legal contacts
U.S. foundations with local offices
National listing of certified NGOs
Local…
Getting Started with Grantmaking in Canada
Getting Started is a new members-only resource within Country Notes. To help connect you with others working in Canada, we have identified:
Local nonprofit and philanthropic networks
Key local legal contacts
Council members in Canada
National listing of certified NGOs
Local community…
Getting Started with Grantmaking in Mexico
Getting Started is a new members-only resource within Country Notes. To help connect you with others working in Mexico, we have identified:
Local nonprofit and philanthropic networks
Key local legal contacts
Council members in Mexico
U.S. foundations with local offices…