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.
HR Philanthropy Collaborative - October 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…
Washington Snapshot: Fall Congressional preview
Earlier this week, Congress returned to Washington and will begin to tackle some of the major legislative issues on its agenda for the fall. Plus, public service loan forgiveness, executive orders on grantmaking, guidelines on federal funding, spring regulatory agenda, and more.
Foundations’ Endowed Portfolios Produced Double-Digit Investment Returns in 2024; Long-Term Return Data Also Positive
WASHINGTON - In the volatile but ultimately supportive market environment of 2024, average annual returns on foundation endowments landed in double-digit positive territory from the previous year for the 255 foundations surveyed in the annual Council on Foundations–Commonfund Study of…
Publication, Research
The CCSF Study is the field’s most comprehensive and authoritative study on investment and governance policies and practices, and the 2024 CCSF studies 255 private and community foundations representing $104.9 billion in assets. Topics covered include:
Returns and Investment Objectives
Asset…
2025 Annual Member Meeting
Join us for the Council's Annual Member Meeting!
The virtual Member Meeting will include:
A vote to approve the nominations of new members for the Board of Directors
Reports on Council's annual financials and membership milestones
A State of the Council address from Kathleen Enright,…
John T. Gorman Foundation: Working with the System to Make Change Possible
At a former convent in Portland, Maine, the air hums with children’s laughter and the clinking of meals being prepared in the communal kitchen.
Those sounds bouncing across the halls of the Frances Warde House would have been unimaginable in June 2023, when Maine officials turned to the John T.…
2025 UN General Assembly Philanthropic Side-Events
Saturday, September 20, 2025
PVBLIC Foundation's Partnership Day
September 20 | In-Person
Philanthropies Represented: PVBLIC Foundation
Learn More
Sunday, September 21, 2025
Unstoppable Africa
September 21 - 22 | 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET | In-Person
Organizations…
DOJ Memo and EO Updates: What We Know and What We Are Monitoring
On Wednesday, July 29, the Department of Justice released a memo that included new guidance for federal funding recipients about what the Administration views as unlawful discrimination based on protected characteristics. The memo includes what it calls "non-binding suggestions" to help…
Better Stories, Better Language: A Communications Workshop Series
This series is a collaboration between the University of Florida’s Center for Public Interest Communications and the Council on Foundations. These three workshops will offer you the skills and tools to tell more complex, robust stories about the charitable sector and your work. You'll learn how to…
Washington Snapshot: Congressional hearings on nonprofits
Last week, the House held several hearings on issues related to the tax-exempt sector, including two that focused specifically on 501(c)(3) organizations. Plus, August recess, transportation funding, 2030 Census, state nonprofit legislation, and more.
Better Stories, Better Language: Showing Our Work
How do we show we’re making a difference? How can you evaluate your narrative strategy?
Metrics provide tangible evidence of the effectiveness of your communications efforts, which is crucial, especially if your efforts are underfunded. They hold you accountable to your strategy by tracking…
Better Stories, Better Language: Making the Case
You understand the value of better stories and better language, but you may not have the support and resources you need to engage in this work long-term. This workshop will help you identify your specific needs in terms of resources, skills and support, as well as the people who control those…
Better Stories, Better Language: Stories of Value and Values
Learn to tell fascinating, compelling stories about how change happens and how the charitable sector works with communities to make a difference on today’s most pressing issues. We’ll discuss how narratives are formed, the essential elements of stories that build trust and understanding, and how to…
Leading Locally All Year Long
Even though the conference is over, the learning continues! Our Leading Locally All Year Long webinar series explores topics designed specifically for community foundations and place-based funders, including some of our most popular sessions from Leading Locally 2025…
Washington Snapshot: H.R.1 signed into law
Last week, both the House and Senate passed the budget reconciliation package. President Trump signed it into law on July 4. We outline the key provisions that impact philanthropy. Plus Texas floods, IRS and churches, relocating HUD, Targeted Technical Assistance for Rural Hospitals, new state…
The Role of Community Philanthropy in Advancing Immigrant Inclusion
This is a session in our Leading Locally All Year Long series, featuring content designed for place-based funders.
Members, view the event recap and the session recording.