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.
Washington Snapshot: New Members of Tax-Writing Committees
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Democrats Throw Cold Water on Immediate Fixes to Tax Reform
Tax-Writing Committees Add New Members, New Budget Chair Announced
The Intersection of SALT and Charitable Contributions
Immigration Agreement Could Unlock Funding Compromise
IRS Estimates What it…
Programming
Wednesday, April 11
Opening Plenary - 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Engage, Educate, and Empower: Philanthropy’s Voice in the Public Policy Arena
We are in a unique moment in our history. The day’s political debates increasingly divide our country. Philanthropy has a role to play in maintaining our…
This American Moment: Bridging Religious Divides
On behalf of Interfaith Youth Core, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, and the Council on Foundations, it was our pleasure to invite you to a half-day symposium entitled “This American Moment: Bridging Religious Divides” on January 31, 2018 at the Religious Freedom Center of the Newseum Institute in…
From Global Goals to Local Impact
Publication
How Philanthropy Can Help Achieve the
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals in the U.S.
As implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals becomes a priority of the world, philanthropy has an opportunity to make an impact. This report from the Council on Foundations examines how U.S. funders…
Hacking the Sustainable Development Goals: Can US Cities Measure Up?
External Resource
The UN Sustainable Development Goals aim to address the world’s most pressing challenges, from poverty to climate change, by aligning priorities and developing shared metrics to measure progress. While the SDG framework is designed for nations, all levels of government will need data to track…
Sustainable Development Goals Event Toolkit
Sample Document
In 2017 and 2018, the Council on Foundations hosted a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) events in various states across the country. We created an events toolkit to support you as you host your own SDGs event in your community. The toolkit includes useful resources such as a sample…
Achieving a Sustainable Urban America: SDSN’s first U.S. Cities SDG Index
External Resource
America is the world’s richest large economy, with the world’s leading technologies and institutions of higher learning. Yet, the United States of America (U.S.) is falling behind other countries on a range of indicators relating to quality of life, economic opportunity, and environmental…
Private Philanthropy Newsletter—January 2018
I hope your New Year is off to a great start! This year, my resolution was simply to not make any resolutions. That way I don't feel bad about breaking them later.
But, I am not here to shame you on your resolutions. No judgement here. I simply want to invite you to join me on Wednesday, January…
Washington Snapshot: Tax Legislation Takes Effect
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot
Tax legislation takes effect, Senate Finance Committee Chairman to retire
Deadline to pass FY18 spending measure looms
Two new U.S. senators sworn in
In the States: State legislatures convene to confront uncertainty caused by the federal tax bill
News from…
Council on Foundations Holiday Schedule
The Council on Foundations offices will be closed from December 23, 2017 - January 1, 2018. During this time, Council staff is available to assist our members with their time-sensitive needs. Please dial the membership line directly at 703-879-0645 or email us at membership@cof.org.
Washington Snapshot: Tax Bill Awaits Signature by President Trump
We will be taking a break from sending Snapshot through the rest of this year, and will return on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018. We wish all our readers a safe and happy holiday!
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot
Tax reform goes to President Trump’s desk for signature
Congress is up against a tight…
(Internal) Talent Development for (External) Impact
Members, View the Recording
(Internal) Talent Development for (External) Impact is about the Bush Foundation’s internal efforts to develop staff to have greater impact while at Bush and then beyond. Over the last five years, the Bush Foundation has been working to embed their belief in…
Diversity of Thought: Atlas Corps Fellows Program
The Council, in partnership with Atlas Corps and American Express, shared information on the Atlas Corps Fellows Program. Atlas Corps facilitates overseas fellowships for the best of the world's rising leaders. They volunteer for 12-18 months at outstanding organizations (foundations,…
The Tax Bill Has Passed - What Does it Mean and What Happens Now?
Member, View the Recording
The tax bill has passed and many in the sector are wondering what it will mean for our work, and what comes next in our advocacy. Join us for a detailed look at the tax bill and a discussion on the legislative provisions that will impact philanthropy and charities. We…
Council on Foundations Statement on Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Council on Foundations Statement on Passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
(ARLINGTON, VA, December 20, 2017) Today, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill:
“During a season when families and communities are coming together to find ways…
The Bush Approach
Members, View the Recording
The Bush Approach is an evaluation tool developed by the Bush Foundation to gauge program strategy. Their approach is based on the belief that systems are really made up of the people within them. Changing systems, therefore, requires inspiring, equipping, and connecting…