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.
No Solicitation Policy
The Council on Foundations maintains a no-solicitation policy covering all of its conferences, meetings, webinars and other events. In order to provide a distraction-free environment for our members and other attendees, we do not allow solicitation of any kind during any event, including asking for…
2016 Annual Conference - Preconference Programming
Preconference Programming
Separate registration is required for all of these events. Space is limited. Register now!
Baltimore Site Session
Baltimore Site Session
Baltimore is a much-discussed city impacted by many myths. This immersive site session is intended to help participants understand key aspects of a vibrant city’s philanthropic and civic life. The programming will focus on the ecosystem of factors impacting the long-term…
Impact Investing: The Essentials
Impact Investing: The Essentials
For decades, foundations have made impact investments to complement grants, partnerships, advocacy, and other tools in the philanthropic toolbox. But how do you start your foundation down a path to use this emerging tactic? Incorporating impact investing into your…
Rural Philanthropy Preconference: Advancing Rural Communities' Economic Success
Rural Philanthropy: Advancing Rural Communities' Economic Success
This peer-learning program will explore how a wide range of foundations are playing effective roles in improving economic outcomes and prospects for rural communities and regions. The session will be co-designed and co-facilitated by…
Webinar Recording: An Update on the Reauthorization of the Healthy and Hunger Free Kids Act
Download the Presentation Slides
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Act of 2010 authorizes funding for federal nutrition programs including:
the national school lunch and breakfast program;
the nutrition program for women, infants, and children;
and other child and adult food care programs.
This…
Washington Snapshot - October 30, 2015
News from the Hill
Ryan is Elected Speaker of the House
Yesterday afternoon, Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI-1) was elected as the next Speaker of the House. This marks the conclusion of a month-long process for the GOP to select a viable candidate for this position.
With Ryan’s ascension to…
2016 Annual Conference - Registration
Registration
Online registration is now closed. If you would still like to register for the conference, please fill out the paper registration form and bring it to the registration desk on the Terrace Level of the Washington Hilton.
Registration Hours
Friday, April 8 - 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Saturday…
Policy Preview: The State of Play of Immigration Reform in Congress (and in the States!)
Members, Access the Recording and Slides
Immigration reform is a hot topic on the national scene as the 2016 presidential election looms. While no consensus legislation has emerged on Capitol Hill to date, our guests discussed how funders can play a role in educating federal, State…
2016 Annual Conference Schedule of Events
Schedule-At-A-Glance
Understand the Learning Arc of the Conference
Friday, April 8
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Center for Community Foundation Excellence Fundamentals Course
Saturday, April 9
8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Center for Community Foundation Excellence Fundamentals…
2016 Annual Conference - Hotel & Travel Information
Hotel & Travel
All conference sessions and activities will take place at The Washington Hilton unless otherwise noted.
The Washington Hilton
1919 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20009
(202) 483-3000
The special conference rates for The Washington Hilton were guaranteed until March 17,…
2015 Salary Tables Now Available
As autumn begins, the research team at the Council inevitably sees an increase in the number of foundations seeking data on the salaries, benefits, and administrative expenses of their peers.
There is no more comprehensive study of these trends than the Council’s Grantmakers Salary & Benefits…
Charitable Organizations Urge Immediate Congressional Action on Charitable Giving Incentives
Today, Independent Sector and the Council on Foundations, supported by 18 other leading philanthropic and charitable organizations, urged Congress to take immediate action to make permanent the three currently expired charitable giving incentives that are part of the tax extenders package.…
Webinar Recording: Finding the Right Investment Staffing and Resources for Your Foundation
Download the Presentation Slides
Foundations use a variety of models in managing their investments. But given the pursuit of higher risk-adjusted returns, many foundations are exploring different ways to access the expertise they need and to manage increasingly complex investment…
Regulatory Engagement
The Government Affairs team and the Legal team at the Council diligently follow and consistently engage on regulatory matters that impact the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. See below for comments and letters that Council has submitted with input from our members and the field to strengthen…
Winter Retreat for Foundation CEOs
Member CEOs are invited to the Winter Retreat for Foundation CEOs to be held December 9-10, at L’Auberge Resort in Del Mar, California (30 minutes north of San Diego).
As you know, organized philanthropy is experiencing many changes, especially executive transitions that are transforming not…