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.
Starting a Foundation: Formation and Considerations
Legal Compliance Guidance, Publication
Many people want to start foundations, but few start out knowing exactly what sort of organization they are going to create. The purpose of this e-book is to help potential donors understand the many different entities that are commonly referred to as foundations and to provide an understanding of…
Washington Snapshot - April 6, 2017
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Tax Reform Update: Congress and the administration have yet to reach consensus on an approach to tax reform
Government funding is set to expire at the end of this month
Private foundations and the charitable deduction—yes, you may lobby!
In the States:…
Sustainability in Grant-Giving in a Conflict-Ridden Part of the World
Healing Across the Divides (HATD) is a new member of the Council on Foundations. We joined the Council to learn from others facing similar challenges globally and connect with funders to explore issues such as finding ways to better build grantee sustainability.
Our mission is to “improve the…
2017 HR Summit: Achieving Equity in the Workplace
The 2017 HR Summit: Achieving Equity in the Workplace, co-hosted by the Council on Foundations and CHANGE Philanthropy, was a unique opportunity to learn how to make attendees' foundations — and philanthropy as a whole — more diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Want to attend this year? Visit…
Private Philanthropy Update — April 2017
I am delighted to introduce you to the Council’s private philanthropy newsletter!
This quarterly publication is a way for me to keep in touch, let you know about what’s happening at the Council, and share resources and other information I think will be of particular interest to you and other…
Washington Snapshot - March 30, 2017
In this Week’s Edition of Snapshot…
Tax Reform Update: What’s next for tax reform now following the ACA mishap?
Congress aims to avoid government shutdown
Administration weighs in as Congress gears up for a spending bill
In the States: Property Tax Fights Continue in the Courts and…
Keep Partisan Politics Out of the Nonprofit Sector
This was first published on March 22 in The Hill.
Washington, D.C., may be the most partisan place on earth, where anything and everything is judged by which political party you support, rather than the substance of what’s being discussed. Well, thank goodness that perspective is not shared by our…
Washington Snapshot - March 23, 2017
In this Week’s Edition of Snapshot…
Philanthropic and charitable leaders join the Philanthropy Caucus for a reception
Tax Reform Update: House expected to vote on repealing the ACA today, tax reform hangs in the balance
Gift substantiation bill reintroduced in the Senate
Council, National…
From Jamaica to Virginia: Initial Thoughts About My Atlas Corps Journey
Excited, relieved, eager, anxious—those were some of the feelings I experienced when I found out I was selected as an Atlas Corps Fellow to serve at the Council on Foundations.
I was working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in Jamaica when I received the confirmation email…
Global Philanthropy Update — March 2017
How did you celebrate International Women’s Day this year? Council staff wore red in solidarity with the “A Day Without a Woman” campaign.
Are you worried about how proposed cuts to USG development funding might impact your international grantmaking? I recently spoke to the Chronicle about what we'…
Washington Snapshot - March 16, 2017
In this Week’s Edition of Snapshot…
Meet our team!
Tax Reform Update: ACA repeal faces obstacle following the release of a CBO report
East coast snow storm prompts a bipartisan road trip from Texas to D.C.
The President’s budget is released
President Trump issues new executive order
In the…
Philanthropy as Catalysts for Collaboration
This post also appeared on SDG Philanthropy Platform's blog on March 14, 2017.
What do Mexico, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the U.S. have in common, when it comes to helping implement the Sustainable Development Goals? In all four countries, philanthropy associations are working with local networks of…
Council Contributions to Recent Legal Cases
As part of its advocacy work, the Council may weigh in on, or participate in, important legal cases when significant issues arise that will impact our members and the field. The Council’s participation is often as Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) whereby the Council, although not a party to the…
2017 Annual Conference - Networking Events
Networking Events
#COFAnnual is the place to connect with leaders in philanthropy, government, and other sectors — and to create future opportunities for collaboration. While every minute at #COFAnnual is an opportunity to network, these events are tailored for you to socialize…
What Happens When the U.S. Sanctions U.S. Charities?
Do you know what happens when the U.S. sanctions U.S. charities? If you answered no, you wouldn’t be alone. It can lead to funds being frozen indefinitely, despite tax rules requiring that they be distributed for charitable purposes when a charity shuts down.
Cherie L. Evans of Evans & Rosen…