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.
Retreat for New Private & Corporate Foundation Executive Leaders - June 2026
This event is the Council's annual retreat for early-tenure private foundation, corporate foundation and giving program chief executives who want to step away from the challenges of their day-to-day and find renewed energy and motivation in fellowship with other new CEOs.Hosted by Tiffany Benjamin…
Building Common Ground Survey
Research
This survey was conducted by Hattaway Communications from September 30 to October 8, 2025, to better understand how Americans think about connecting and collaborating across differences and the role that foundations should play.1,000 American adults—nationally representative by age, gender, race/…
Washington Snapshot: Federal Government Shutdown Comes to an End
On November 12, the House passed a continuing resolution and minibus package of appropriations bills, marking the end to the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Plus, Building Together 2026, support for nonprofits impacted by changes in federal grants, and more.
Q and A: What is Building Together 2026?
Building Together isn’t your typical conference — it’s a hands-on experience to help leaders at all levels build relationships and skills to connect and collaborate across difference. During the conference, you will learn, process, and practice in real time while developing the heartset,…
Join us for a conversation to learn more about applying to and participating in the 2026-27 Career Pathways Program.
During this session we will answer questions regarding:
2026-27 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and…
Join us for a conversation to learn more about applying to and participating in the 2026-27 Career Pathways Program.
During this session we will answer questions regarding:
2026-27 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and…
Washington Snapshot: Federal Government (Still) Shutdown
The federal government has been shut down since October 1. The Senate has remained in Washington, D.C. throughout the shutdown, holding over a dozen unsuccessful votes to pass a continuing resolution. Plus, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Senate Judiciary updates, National Religious Broadcasters…
Public Policy Action Network - February 2026 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - April 2026 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - June 2026 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - August 2026 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - October 2026 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - December 2026 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Join the Council’s Legal Resources team for an in-depth look at the self-dealing rules applicable to private foundations under section 4941 of the Internal Revenue Code. This workshop will provide an in-depth review of the rules against self-dealing, where they come from and what they involve.…
This workshop will provide an in-depth review of the rules against self-dealing, where they come from and what they involve. Participants will hear an analysis of the relevant rules and regulations governing transactions between private foundations and disqualified persons, including situations…
Essentials of Policy Advocacy for Grantmakers – September 2026
Led by Council on Foundations staff and philanthropic leaders, this training will address policy advocacy strategies that support racial equity and effective practices. Participants will gain helpful tools and resources while networking with peers who are developing and implementing their…