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: 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…
Washington Snapshot: Senate Votes to Pass Budget, Brings Tax Reform a Step Closer
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot
Tax Reform Update: Senate to vote on legislation that would lay the path for tax reform
Repealing the Johnson Amendment Remains a Target
A reflection on executive and regulatory activity in the Trump Administration
In the States: Elected official fundraising…
Join a webinar with leaders of the community foundations and disaster response experts to hear how they're doing, what they know so far, and what kind of support is most helpful at this stage of the emergency.
Speakers
Andrea Zussman (Moderator)
Manager, Regional Vibrancy and Sustainability, …
From Athletes to Role Models and Philanthropists
As the NFL season has officially kicked off, I am reminded of the positive ways that so many athletes are effecting change off the field.
Indeed, the area of sports philanthropy is becoming increasingly common.
At the Council on Foundations’ recent Leading Together conference, the growing trend…
Belonging: My Biggest Takeaway from Career Pathways
Editorial Note: David Daniels is one of 24 members of the 2017 cohort of Career Pathways. He and other Pathways participants have been sharing their experiences on the Council on Foundations blog. Applications for the Career Pathways program are currently being accepted until October 20.
For five…
Digital Divide: Public-Private Partnership for Funders
There is no way to achieve the American dream without being connected to the Internet.
In August, 30 communities were selected to participate in ConnectHomeUSA, an important program working in partnership with your city’s leadership and housing authority to help some of your community’s most…
Statement On Introduction of the Universal Charitable Giving Act of 2017
On October 11, 2017, the Council on Foundations released the following statement from President and CEO Vikki Spruill:
“Earlier this morning, the Council met with congressional staff to discuss the introduction of the Universal Charitable Giving Act of 2017(HR 3988). This proposal places the…
Webinar Recording: Private Foundations Lunch with Legal Counsel: Self-Dealing
2017 Legal Resources webinar on self-dealing concerns, including grantmaking outside the US and grantmaking to individuals.
Veterans Philanthropy Exchange's Mid-Year Convening: An Inside Look at the Reality of Veterans Employment and Career Development
Expert thought leaders and practitioners in veterans employment and mainstream workforce development helped inform discussions to help attendees develop a deeper understanding of the status and quality of veterans’ employment. At this event, peer sharing focused on what has worked and what didn't…
Noah Atencio of Community First Foundation Awarded 2017 Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking
During the ceremony for the Robert W. Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking, a panel of former Scrivner winners shared their thoughts on identifying grant projects that are innovative and make a difference. The panel included Geri Mannion (2009 recipient, Carnegie Corporation of New York…
Washington Snapshot - October 5, 2017
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot
Tax Reform Update: Budget Consideration Maintains Tax Reform Momentum
HHS Secretary Price Resigns
IRS Changes 1023-EZ Form
In the States: Oregon Supreme Court Upholds Portland Arts Tax
News from the Hill
So, What's Up with Tax Reform?
In the coming months…
Webinar Recording: National Trust for Historic Preservation: African American Cultural Heritage Fund
Recording
The events in Charlottesville and the subsequent debates regarding the treatment of monuments and memorials to Confederate leaders and heroes has contributed to further divisions within our society. Many of our communities are grappling with these issues and seeking ways to bridge the…
Why I Needed the Career Pathways Program
Editorial Note: Pooja Joshi O’Hanlon is one of 24 members of the 2017 cohort of Career Pathways. Over the next week, she and other Pathways participants are sharing their experiences in the Council on Foundations blog. Applications for the Career Pathways program are currently being accepted until…