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.
Three Leading Organizations Representing Foundations and Charitable Nonprofits Urge NO Vote on Senate Tax Bill
The Council on Foundations, National Council of Nonprofits and Independent Sector today voiced united opposition to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act being considered in the U.S. Senate. Leaders of the three organizations, which represent foundations and charitable nonprofits, sent a letter to lawmakers,…
Joint Letter of Opposition to the Senate Tax Reform Bill
Dear Senators,
The charitable nonprofit and foundation communities stand united in opposition to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and, in the strongest possible terms, urge a “NO” vote on the bill. The current legislation damages the civic infrastructure upon which our communities depend, and hurts the…
#GivingTuesday Is An Opportunity To Focus On the Good Around Us
At a time when partisanship runs rampant and public divides seem numerous, this #GivingTuesday offers an opportunity for our country to focus on all the good that is happening around us and to work collectively, through donations of all kinds, to strengthen our society at every level.
#…
Washington Snapshot: BREAKING NEWS: House Passes H.R. 1
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot
Tax reform: House passes tax reform package; Senate continues committee markup.
IRS notices rule for charitable giving for wildfire damages.
In the States: The Cuts are Coming, Montana Continues its Strict Campaign Finance Tradition
News from the Hill…
Council on Foundations Statement on the House Passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Today, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill:
“Just minutes ago, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. A once-in-a-generation opportunity for tax reform has been missed. The negative impacts of this bill on…
Joint Statement of the National Council of Nonprofits and the Council on Foundations
The Council on Foundations and the National Council of Nonprofits stand united in opposing H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, because of significant changes to proven tax policies that have served the American people well, most notably the following:
Severely Cutting Back Charitable Giving:…
Washington Snapshot: TAKE ACTION NOW to Protect Charitable Giving
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot
House marks up tax reform bill; Action in the Senate imminent
New Report Details Recommendations for Combatting the Opioid Crisis
In the States: Election Day 2017 results, New Mexico alleges solicitation violations on behalf of nonprofits
News from the Hill…
Statement on the Joint Committee On Taxation’s Charitable Deduction Analysis
On November 8, 2017, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill:
“The Joint Committee on Taxation has released an analysis of the impact of the recently introduced tax reform bill on charitable deductions for fiscal year 2018 which finds…
Washington Snapshot: BREAKING NEWS - House Unveils Long-Awaited Tax Reform Bill
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot
House GOP Leaders Release Tax Reform Bill
Treasury Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy Named Acting Commissioner of IRS
Congress Must Raise Debt Limit by January 2018
In the States: Locals Focus on Supporting Community Nonprofits and Volunteers, North Carolina…
Council on Foundations Statement on House Tax Reform Legislation
Today, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill:
“For nearly 70 years, the Council on Foundations has worked to inspire and expand a culture of charitable giving and enhance philanthropy’s ability to contribute to vibrant, healthy and…
Measuring the State of Disaster Philanthropy 2017
Every year, billions of dollars are distributed in response to disasters and humanitarian crises. How much of this comes from foundations? What are other sources of funding? How much funding addresses long-term recovery and disaster risk reduction, in addition to emergency response and immediate…
Washington Snapshot: Release of Tax Reform Bill Imminent
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot
Tax Reform Update: House votes on key measure to advance tax reform; tax bill expected next week
IRS releases 2017-2018 Priority Guidance
In the States: Elected official fundraising for nonprofits under review in the states
News from the Hill
So, What's Up…
Top Ten Insights for Foundation Investors in a Mature Market
Last week I had the honor of moderating a panel at the 2017 Council on Foundations Endowments & Finance Summit. In the session, “Foundation Investing in Mature Markets: Challenges and Rewards,” I was joined by three esteemed colleagues, representing foundations with over $3 billion in endowed…
Efficient Impact Frontier
Members, View the Recording
Are you curious how to balance impact with risk and return? Join us for a conversation with Michael McCreless, Senior Director of Strategy & Impact at Root Capital, an agricultural impact investor that grows rural prosperity in environmentally vulnerable areas in…
The Success of the 2017 Endowments and Finance Summit
We just concluded the third Council on Foundations Endowments and Finance Summit, where more than 100 foundation CEOs, CFOs, CIOs, board members and other leaders met to consider the future of the philanthropic sector. Based on post-event buzz and input from participants, it seems to have been our…