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FEATURED EVENT
Global Grantmaking Essentials
Practical Solutions for Foundation Staff Making Grants Abroad
October 9, 10, 16, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET
Virtual
Public Foundations
Public foundations are grantmaking public charities that gain their funds from a variety of sources, which may include foundations, individuals, corporations, or public entities. Public foundations may engage in fundraising, and may seek broad public financial support. They may or may not have endowments. There is no legal definition of a public foundation, but most dedicate a significant portion of their annual budgets to grantmaking. Most community foundations are also grantmaking public charities.
Since public foundations may be defined in different ways, and there is no official IRS or legal definition of public foundations, it is difficult to arrive at statistics that are fully representative of the field.
Below is everything on our site for public foundations. We strongly recommend that you use the navigation or our search feature to find what you're looking for on our site. Please also visit cof.org/programs-services/public-grantmaking-charities for curated public foundation content.
IRS Search Tool: Select Check
External Resource
Grantmakers searching for more detailed information about the charitable status of their potential grantees may find the answers they need in the IRS Select Check tool.
This IRS online search tool allows the user to:
(1) search the IRS public charity list, known as IRS Publication 78, for data to…
Career Pathways
About the Career Pathways Program
Career Pathways, founded by the Council on Foundations in 2010, is a selective leadership development program that cultivates bold, representative, and inclusive decision-makers to lead the philanthropic sector. The program is rigorous, highly personal, and…
DEI & Legal Office Hour
During this session, participants will engage in a Q&A discussion with Council on Foundations Director of Legal Resources, Ben McDearmon, Staff Counsel, Remy Barnwell. & Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Yoo-Jin Kang, to address DEI and legal questions in the wake of the…
DEI Roundtable: Fostering Staff Wellbeing: Equity-Driven Policies
In our last session, we will examine how to create and implement policies that prioritize staff well-being with a focus on equity and inclusion. Operationalizing DEI means embedding these values into the very policies and practices that support staff, ensuring a healthy and supportive work…
DEI Roundtable: Re-Imagining Power in Philanthropy: Building and Sharing Power with our Board, Staff, and Communities
This roundtable will explore how to reimagine and redistribute power within philanthropic organizations to foster more equitable decision-making processes. Operationalizing DEI requires a fundamental shift in how power is held and shared, ensuring that diverse voices are included in shaping…
DEI Roundtable: Self & Community Care for DEI Practitioners: Strategies for Resilience and Overcoming Resistance
This session addresses the critical role of self and community care in sustaining DEI work. By prioritizing the well-being of practitioners, we create a foundation for resilience and long-term engagement. Operationalizing DEI begins with ensuring that those leading these efforts are equipped to…
Looking to 2025: What Does a New Congress Mean for Philanthropy?
In January the 119th Congress will be sworn in and take on the work of choosing leadership for the House and Senate, as well as for each of the 40+ Committees that make up Congress. Join this webinar to learn about the dynamics of the new Congress and how we expect the shifting policy environment…
Looking to 2025: Making Sense of the Elections
No matter who wins, this November’s election will alter dynamics in Washington, D.C. Amy Walter, a national political analyst and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report, will break down what the election results could mean for your work and for the U.S. broadly. Then, hear from foundation…
Looking to 2025: What's at Stake?
As you know, most policy issues impacting philanthropy are tax policy issues. In December 2025, key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) are set to expire, kicking off a race to develop new tax legislation. Even before we know the results of the 2024 election, Congressional committees and…
Meet the Council Expert! Q&A with Yoo-Jin Kang, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
Yoo-Jin considers herself bi-coastal with roots in the Pacific Northwest and the D.C./DMV area. In addition to her work with the Council, she’s currently working towards a Master’s degree in Public Health at UC Berkeley. Her focus is on how racism impacts health, especially in the workplace. She…
August Recess 2024 Packet
Community Foundation Resources
Find resources for private foundations instead.
This packet contains what you need to set up, prep for, and attend a meeting with your Member of Congress and/or their staff. We’ve included resources about key legislation, data about the sector, and template letters…
August Recess 2024 - Additional Resources
Foundations work on a variety of issues, only some covered by this packet. Below, find additional resources on policy issues the Council has been working on this Congress. You may find them helpful to prep your team, bring to a meeting, or share with an office after the fact.
Understanding Fiscal…
2024 UN General Assembly Philanthropic Side-Events
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Thursday, September 12, 2024
Play, pay and protection: Securing rights for child domestic workers
September 12 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. ET | In-Person
Philanthropies Represented: The Freedom Fund
Register Now
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Climate, Health, Peace, and Security in…
2024 Annual Member Meeting
Join us for the Council's Annual Member Meeting. The virtual Member Meeting will include:
Highlighting the 75th anniversary of the Council on Foundations and highlights of the 40th anniversary of the Distinguished Service Award and the Scrivner Award,
The State of the Council address from…
Summary of 11th Circuit Ruling in American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Fearless Fund
Background
On August 2, 2023, American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) filed a complaint against Fearless Fund claiming their Fearless Striver Grant Contest grant program violates Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. According to the official rules listed on Fearless Fund’s website, the…
Maintaining a Commitment to Equitable Giving Strategies Amid Legal Challenges
How can philanthropic organizations maintain a commitment to race-conscious and identity-based giving strategies in an evolving legal landscape?
Join us to explore the practical steps you can take to maintain your foundation’s commitment to race-conscious and identity-based programs. With the…