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.
New Program-Related Investment Regulations Released by Treasury
Last summer, the Treasury Department announced their intention to finalize new regulations for program-related investments (PRIs). This week, it published nine new examples of permissible PRIs. Treasury responded to continued requests of the philanthropic community, which recognized that the…
How to Respond to Ecuador, Japan, and Myanmar Earthquakes
Earthquakes rocked Ecuador, Japan, and Myanmar this past weekend, affecting thousands, and reminding all of us how vulnerable communities are to external disaster shocks.
As reported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck northern…
Washington Snapshot - April 15, 2016
News from the Hill
IRA Charitable Rollover Bill Introduced in House
Congressman George Holding (R-NC) introduced the Grow Philanthropy Act (H.R.4709) this week. This bill proposes an expansion of the IRA charitable rollover provision to allow for distributions to donor advised funds (DAFs).
In…
Myriad of Factors Contribute to Improving American Workforce for Global Marketplace
America’s workforce is challenged with adapting to demands for new skills and additional training as technology continues to influence all facets of the working world. Job descriptions are morphing to meet needs as companies stay competitive in the global marketplace.
Foundations can play an…
Two Women, Two Journeys: Events Help Shape Kumar, Shahid as Movement Drivers
Maria Teresa Kumar grew up in Sonoma, Calif., a daughter of an immigrant field worker, and spent childhood summers in strife-torn Colombia during the drug wars and days of narcos. Shiza Shahid was raised in Islamabad, Pakistan, and was witness to the growing takeover of the Taliban before accepting…
Philanthropy-Joining Forces Impact Pledge Announces $7 Million in New Commitments
The Philanthropy-Joining Forces Impact Pledge today announced $7 million in new investments to strengthen services and support for millions of veterans and military families across the United States. With their commitments, PwC Charitable Foundation, Inc., Orange County Community Foundation, and…
2017 Annual Conference: Leading Together
Philanthropy's Role in Bridging Divides
through Civil Discourse and Shared Dialogue
Leading Together Highlights
Leading Together Experiences
HUD Deputy Secretary Shares Department's Efforts in Building Communities
United States Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Nani A. Coloretti addressed the annual conference Sunday to describe the federal government’s multi-pronged effort to support American communities and how HUD has developed new strategies in meeting the challenges of today’s population…
Forging a New Frontier for the Lakota of Pine Ridge
Executive Director of Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation Nick Tilsen described the struggle of America’s indigenous people both through history and through today’s world. Tilsen remarked how during both periods in history, differing views of the world adversely affected his indigenous…
Research Reinforces Importance of Community, Upbringing for Revered Historian McCullough
Keynote Speaker David McCullough imparted the wisdom attained by a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author and noted historian as it pertained to the conference’s themes of identity, purpose and place Sunday. McCullough weaved snippets of some of his meticulously researched historical subjects and…
Council on Foundations President Focuses on the Future of Community
In a special video created for conference attendees, Born This Way Foundation CEO Cynthia Germanotta stated the simple goal: “Support young people and empower them to create a kinder and braver world” for young people “are not only tomorrow’s leaders, but they are leading in tremendous ways today,…
Fostering Change in Organizations and Communities
The Jessie Ball duPont Fund has supported LISC to develop affordable housing and revitalize communities in Jacksonville, Florida.
Jessie Ball duPont never worried about energy conservation or carbon footprints, and she probably never discussed affordable rents or the role of the nonprofit sector…
Defining Livability in the Future of Community
To improve livability in downtown pittsburgh, the Colcom Foundation funded 400 planters.
Notions of “livability” are central to the Future of Community; Identity, Purpose, Place. To build a place worth caring about is to bring out the best in a community. On a good day, factors of…
Virunga: A Tale of Compelling Risk
Emmanuel de Merode, the Director of the Virunga National Park since 2008. Credit: ©Brent Stirton/Getty Images
Located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Virunga National Park is Africa’s oldest national park. It is a critical habitat for many species, including the highly…
A Common Vision for Improving the Future of Community
Wow! Thank you Cynthia Germanotta, her daughter Lady Gaga, and the Born This Way Foundation for working with us to create that awesome video. I can’t think of a better way to start us off than with a reminder of why we do this work. All of us here are, in some way, working to build a…
We Can Always Do a Little Bit Better
James E. “Jim” Casey coined the phrase “constructive dissatisfaction” while steering United Parcel Service (now UPS) to becoming one of the world’s most successful companies. His dissatisfaction drove him to outpace the competition as he developed innovative transportation strategies, implemented…