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.
How Foundations Can Partner with USAID
Fundamentals
Foundations have been partnering with USAID in a variety of ways to advance locally led development, and below are how some of those partnerships are being executed. For member foundations interested in working with USAID on their own locally led development initiatives, Council on Foundations…
2024 Grantmaker Salary and Benefits Survey (GSB)
Since 1980, the Council's Grantmaker Salary and Benefits (GSB) Survey has provided the sector with the most comprehensive data on staff composition and compensation in the United States. Grantmakers rely on this annual report to plan budgets, benchmark personnel policies and practices, determine…
Info Session: Why Building Together 2024 Is the Place to Be
Do you have questions about Building Together 2024? Join us for an info session to hear more about how this new, sector-wide event will teach you the skills to bridge differences in a highly polarized society, with:
Amazing speakers like David Brooks, Mónica Guzmán, and Amanda Ripley;
Half-day…
Philanthropy Can Enable Thriving Communities by Building Common Ground
This blog is part of the Council's Dialogue Across Difference series. In this space, we will share your viewpoints: In a time of polarization and mistrust, how can philanthropy bridge across difference?
I once heard Deb and Jim Fallows, authors of "Our Towns," talk about their epic 100,000-…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - Peer Learning Circle
The Council on Foundations proudly unveils an exciting new member benefit tailored for foundations of all types, DEI Peer Learning Circles. This engagement opportunity is designed to connect foundation staff of all levels across the country who are working to explore, design, implement, or…
Philanthropy's Response to 2024 California Winter Storms
Overview
A powerful atmospheric river swept through Southern California, causing over 300 mudslides and record-breaking rainfall. With devastation to homes and buildings and nearly 150,000 people grappling with power outages, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in Southern…
Philanthropy's Response to the 2024 Chile Wildfires
Overview
The deadly wildfires spreading across Chile have destroyed thousands of homes and buildings in the Valparaiso and Vina del Mar regions. At least 120 people have been killed and hundreds are still missing, making this Chile's deadliest wildfire on record.
This page will continue to…
Scholarships
Legal Compliance Guidance, Publication
Part of Mastering Foundation Law
Providing scholarships to individuals is a popular method of charitable giving in the U.S. But following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and the ongoing Alliance for Equal Rights v. Fearless Fund case,…
2024 Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort Application Q&A
Are you looking for a supportive community of funders to help you build constructive dialogue and understanding across differences? You’ll get just that with the Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort.
The Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort is a facilitated virtual learning experience meeting…
Global Philanthropy’s Crucial Role in Ukraine on the Second Anniversary of Russia’s Invasion
Global philanthropy generously provided initial humanitarian aid to the Ukraine crisis caused by Russia's unprovoked war, offering essential support like food, clothing, and shelter. Yet, as Putin's invasion shows no signs of ending, Ukrainians confront escalating needs. Despite reduced news…
How Philanthropy Is Investing in Belonging, Bridging, and Building Common Ground
Faced with rising social division and discord, the philanthropic sector is increasingly pursuing strategies to connect and collaborate across differences and counteract toxic polarization. In 2023, the Council, PACE, and New Pluralists teamed up to conduct a landscape scan to better…
Philanthropy is a Catalyst for Unlikely Alliances
This blog is part of the Council's Dialogue Across Difference series. In this space, we will share your viewpoints: In a time of polarization and mistrust, how can philanthropy bridge across difference?
In the 1830s Alexis de Tocqueville wrote that he was astonished by Americans’ collective…
Info Session: The Council & Independent Sector’s Amicus Brief in Support of Fearless Foundation
The Council on Foundations and Independent Sector filed an amicus brief on December 12 in support of Fearless Foundation. We filed the brief because we believe that foundations, charitable nonprofits, philanthropic organizations, and individuals have the right to exercise their views through giving…
Celebrating our 2023 Council Award Winners
As we arrive at the end of the year, it can be tempting to focus solely on what we want to do better next year. Sometimes the challenges we face are so overwhelming that we want to turn the page to a new chapter as soon as possible.
At the same time, we know that our Council community engaged in…
Global Grantmaking Essentials - October 2024
THIS TRAINING IS SOLD OUT.
Led by Council on Foundations staff with collectively decades of experience with global philanthropy, the Global Grantmaking Essentials will also feature guest speakers with deep knowledge on specific issues or countries.
Wednesday, October 9: 1:00-5:00 p.m. ET…
Essentials of Policy Advocacy for Grantmakers – September 2024
The Essentials of Policy Advocacy for Grantmakers course will help foundation staff use their resources effectively to advance public policies that support the greater good. Rather than focusing on what policies foundations should address, this training will focus on how to engage in policy…