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.
Governance Basics- Board Structure, Committees and Delegation and Policies and Procedures
Download the Presentation Slides
In partnership with Guidestar, this webinar reviews some of the fundamental issues associated with board governance. Topics include:
board structure (size and composition);
the role of committees and the board’s ability to delegate; and
the…
A Historic Victory for Philanthropy
Today we celebrate a major victory for community foundations and your donors.
The charitable “tax extenders” are no longer “extenders” that must be reinstated each year, but have become a permanent part of our tax code. In a historic vote, Congress passed the IRA Charitable Rollover into…
Charitable Community Applauds Congress's Historic Deal on Tax Incentives for Charitable Giving
Charitable organizations from around the country applaud Congress for the bipartisan, bicameral passage of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015.
The legislation will enhance charitable giving by making three essential tax incentives permanent, demonstrating a commitment from…
President Signs IRA Rollover into Law
Today we celebrate a major victory for community foundations and your donors.
The charitable “tax extenders” are no longer “extenders” that must be reinstated each year, but have become a permanent part of our tax code. In a historic vote, Congress passed the IRA Charitable Rollover into…
Washington Snapshot - December 18, 2015
Washington Snapshot will be taking a break for the next few weeks during the holidays. Our offices will be closed from December 25th—January 1st, but we wish all of our readers a happy and peaceful holiday with family and friends! Snapshot will return on Friday, January 8th.
News from the Hill
One…
Senate Makes IRA Rollover Permanent
Just before noon on December 18, the Senate voted to pass the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act making the IRA Charitable Rollover permanent law.
The bill, which passed the House on December 17, also makes permanent the enhanced deductions for conservation easement and food inventory…
2015 Year in Review
Friends and Colleagues,
Last December, I spoke of 2014 as a Year of Action, and it was! We began putting into place the programs, services, and staff we knew would provide value to our members. In 2015, we’ve begun to see these foundational investments pay off, and I hope you’ve begun to see how…
The House Passes Permanent Charitable Extenders
Moments ago the House of Representatives passed the PATH Act making the IRA Charitable Rollover and two other charitable giving incentives permanent law. Members of the House showed strong bipartisan support for these important measures with a vote of 318 - 109.
“This is a major victory for…
Washington Snapshot - December 11, 2015
News from the Hill
Extender Negotiations Coming Down to the Wire
Make Your Voice Heard! Despite efforts to pass a “tax extenders” package with a federal spending bill by today’s deadline, negotiations between Congressional Democrats and Republicans reached a stalemate—forcing the passage of…
Addressing inequality amid plenty – the SDGs and the United States
This article appears in the December 2015 edition of Alliance Magazine.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an opportunity to not only address challenges in developing countries, but also to make progress on many of the same challenges that persist in ‘developed’ countries.
Each of the…
Council on Foundations Statement Regarding Its Focus on Strengthening Philanthropy
Today, the Council on Foundations releases the following statement from its Vice President of Communications Jesse Salazar:
“The Council on Foundations provides leadership opportunities and tools philanthropic organizations need to make a meaningful difference in the life of communities.…
Washington Snapshot - December 4, 2015
Take Action Now on Extenders
Hundreds of thousands heard the message!
Yesterday marked the kickoff in a series of days over the next three weeks when the Council and our colleagues in the field will commit 5 minutes for philanthropy, and connect with Members of Congress about reinstating the…
Pennsylvania Philanthropy Conference Sessions
Monday, April 25, 2016
Community Foundation Day
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. – Breakfast & Registration
9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. – Opening Plenary: Benefits (and Pitfalls) of State Tax Credits for Community Foundations
Community foundations in several…
After Giving Thanks, a Day to Give Back
Today, more than 30,000 organizations, countless individuals, and a host of policymakers are celebrating the importance and impact of charitable giving and philanthropy. Under the banner of #GivingTuesday, Henry Timms & New York’s 92nd Street YMCA in partnership with the UN Foundation have…
Pennsylvania Philanthropy Conference
Philanthropy holds a unique role in American society. Philanthropic leaders and foundations play a significant role fostering vibrant communities across our country. The Council supports this role and regularly brings foundation leaders together to learn and share from each other.
The Council on…
Washington Update: End-of-Year Hill Activity
Members, Access the Recording
Get the Latest on the Charitable “Tax Extenders”
This quick 30-minute update covers end-of-year congressional activity that will impact your work. Hear the latest on the state of play from our seasoned Capitol Hill consultants, and learn how you can take…