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.
Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort Welcome Lounge
Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort members (2026) and alumni (2023, 2024, 2025) are invited to connect and relax in a casual setting. Stop by to say hello to Council staff and fellow cohort members throughout the afternoon. We will host a short program around 3:15 p.m. Light refreshments will…
Welcome to Seattle: Seattle Waterfront (Self‑Guided Outing)
Get your steps in with a walking tour of the Seattle Waterfront, taking in its signature sights at your own pace. Wander the piers, browse local shops, and stop at iconic “must‑dos” like Pike Place Market with its lively stalls and famous fish throwers. Continue along the waterfront to explore…
Welcome to Seattle: Seattle Center (Self‑Guided Outing)
Make your way to Seattle Center, starting with a 1-mile walk or a quick ride on the historic Seattle Monorail from downtown. Once on campus, explore iconic attractions at your own pace, including MoPOP, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and the Space Needle. While you’re there, don’t miss the Gates…
May the 4th Build Community: Career Pathways Alumni Outing
Career Pathways alumni are invited to come together to connect, build community, and gather The Force to prepare for Building Together 2026. We will build relationships, grab a meal, and explore a galaxy far, far, away... from the hotel, and step into local, rejuvenating outdoor spaces. Join us and…
Bainbridge Excursion
Dive into a true Seattle experience, beginning with a scenic ferry ride across Puget Sound. Enjoy lunch on the island, then take a tour of the Japanese American Exclusion Memorial guided by our friends at Trust for Public Land highlighting the history and resilience of the Bainbridge Island…
Latin America and Caribbean Funder Circle - December 2026
This peer-learning space brings together funders working across Latin America and the Caribbean and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across the…
Latin America and Caribbean Funder Circle - October 2026
This peer-learning space brings together funders working across Latin America & the Caribbean and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across the…
Latin America and Caribbean Funder Circle - July 2026
This peer-learning space brings together funders working across Latin America and the Caribbean and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across the…
Latin America and Caribbean Funder Circle - May 2026
This peer-learning space brings together funders working across Latin America and the Caribbean region and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across…
Asia-Pacific Funder Circle - December 2026
This peer-learning space brings together funders working across the Asia-Pacific region and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across the region. ICNL…
Asia-Pacific Funder Circle - October 2026
This peer-learning space brings together funders working across the Asia-Pacific region and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across the region. ICNL…
Asia-Pacific Funder Circle - August 2026
This peer-learning space brings together funders working across the Asia-Pacific region and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across the region. ICNL…
Asia-Pacific Funder Circle - July 2026
This peer-learning space brings together funders working across the Asia-Pacific region and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across the region. ICNL…
Asia-Pacific Funder Circle - May 2026
This peer-learning space brings together funders working across the Asia-Pacific region and is designed to be an informal, peer-led conversation where participants can share experiences and learn from one another as legal, regulatory, and security dynamics continue to shift across the region. ICNL…
Washington Snapshot: Treasury 990 Transparency Initiative
The Department of the Treasury announced plans to revise Form 990 to “improve transparency, strengthen tax administration, and provide clearer reporting on certain activities of tax-exempt organizations.” These activities include government grants and contracts, as well as fiscal sponsorships. Plus…
Preparing for a Successful Building Together Experience
As the beginning of May inches (or maybe barrels) closer, the anticipation of travel builds. This comes with real excitement for learning, connecting, and inspiration, but it also comes with some challenges. Work travel isn’t easy, but conferences like this, in my experience, are always worth it!…