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.
Stand-To - A Convening to Improve Veterans’ Transition Services
The Council on Foundations was proud to recently sponsor and participate in the George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To National Veterans Convening, a summit focused on veteran transition.
Through the summit, held June 22 and 23 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. the Bush Institute…
Washington Snapshot - June 22, 2017
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Tax Reform Update: Senate Finance Chairman calls for input on tax reform
Health care seems to gain steam in Senate
HUD announces it will begin accepting unsolicited proposals for research
In the States: Delaware charitable deduction at risk
News from the…
Philanthropy's Impact in the Southwest
Strengthening Local Communities to Achieve Global Goals
Overview
There are significant challenges facing communities in the Southwest, including racial inequality in education, economic opportunities and health outcomes.
The Council on Foundations, Philanthropy Southwest, and Albuquerque…
Washington Snapshot - June 15, 2017
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
CHARITY Act is reintroduced in Senate
Tax Reform Update: Freedom Caucus weighs in on tax reform
Senate continues work on health care legislation
Deadline for addressing debt limit more fluid than previously thought
In the States: Budgets and late nights at…
Managing Effectively Across Differences: The Impact of Implicit Bias on Leadership
Event Details
An intimate group of thought leaders from the higher education, philanthropic and corporate sectors came together for a unique convening designed to explore the impact of implicit bias on leadership and operational excellence.
This convening aimed to accomplish the following…
Council on Foundations Statement on the Introduction of the CHARITY Act
Today, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill:
“Today’s introduction of the ‘Charities Helping Americans Regularly Throughout the Year Act of 2017’ (CHARITY Act, S. 1343) is a welcome step towards protecting and growing our nation’s…
With Pride Month, We Remember the Push for Equality Continues
One year ago today, our nation was rocked by the horrific attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida. In a message expressing our solidarity with those affected by the attack, we noted that it was particularly tragic because this event occurred at a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and…
Supporting Organizations
Legal Compliance Guidance, Publication
A Chapter in Mastering Foundation Law:
The Council on Foundations Compendium of Legal Resources
This chapter discusses the federal tax laws governing supporting organizations. As a result of the Tax Reform Act of 1969, private foundations receive considerably less favorable treatment under tax law…
What to Expect from an Audit
Legal Compliance Guidance, Publication
A Chapter in Mastering Foundation Law:
The Council on Foundations Compendium of Legal Resources
This chapter addresses what foundations should expect from an audit. Nonprofits, including private foundations, are bracing for an uptick in audit activity from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as it…
Foundation Finance and Investment Management
Legal Compliance Guidance, Publication
A Chapter in Mastering Foundation Law:
The Council on Foundations Compendium of Legal Resources
This chapter examines Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) and other laws that govern the management and investment of endowments and other foundation financial assets. It also…
Career Pathways: Learning in Dallas
Just before the Annual Conference, the Career Pathways cohort met up in Dallas for our next session. Here’s what we did during these three days of learning, sharing, and growth.
We went all-in right from the start. On the first day, the cohort gathered in a circle to share stories of self-care,…
Washington Snapshot - June 8, 2017
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Tax Reform Update: Congress must address a packed agenda before getting to tax reform
“Johnson Amendment” may be discussed in House hearing
DOE aims to reduce regulations following EO
President Trump unveils infrastructure plan in budget
In the States:…
Policy and Private Philanthropy Part 2: Effective Strategies for Supporting Public Policy Advocacy Campaigns
Members, access the recording.
This webinar will help our private foundation members understand the rules for how they can participate in public policy advocacy. You will have a chance to listen to researchers from TCC documenting lessons from public policy advocacy campaigns supported by…
Policy and Private Philanthropy Part 1: President’s Budget and Congressional Appropriations
Members, Access the Recording
Many of our private foundation members are worried about the President’s budget and how it will affect the nonprofit organizations they fund. This webinar is designed to give you a better understanding of the process and impact of the President’s proposed cuts to…
2017 Endowments & Finance Summit
Join us in New York!
Now in its third year, the Endowments and Finance Summit is the premier convening to hear expert insights and have in-depth conversations on the best practices and financial strategies to get a competitive advantage in the philanthropic advisory marketplace. Here’s why…
Washington Snapshot - June 1, 2017
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Take Action: Extend the Charitable Deduction to All Americans
Tax Reform Update: Competing legislative priorities complicate tax reform prospects
State Reliance on Federal Funds
New York Revitalization Act Amendments Go into Effect
Extend the Charitable…