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.
Philanthropy's Response to 2025 California Wildfires
Overview
Wildfires in the greater Los Angeles area have forced nearly 180,000 people out of their homes and have left over 350,000 people without power. At least five fires have burned over 60 square miles causing it to be the most destructive fire in L.A. history. Both a state of emergency…
Retreat for New Foundation Executive Leaders - May 2025
This event is the Council's annual retreat for early-tenure foundation chief executives who want to step away from the challenges of their day-to-day and find renewed energy and motivation in fellowship with other new CEOs. Hosted by Jamie Merisotis and the Lumina Foundation, it will…
Policy Agenda for the 119th Congress
Building on our 75-year history, the Council supports over 900 member organizations, those large and small, urban and rural, community- and global-focused, in all 50 states and around the world.
The Council and our members work to create a policy environment in which philanthropy can grow…
Values-Aligned Philanthropy: Discussing Responsible Giving With Donors
Publication, Toolkit
Foundation leaders committed to values-aligned philanthropic policies, which ensure grantmaking efforts does not fund hate and extremism, emphasize the importance of ensuring all stakeholders understand both the policies and the reasons for their creation. Values-Aligned Philanthropy: Discussing…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Application Office Hours - February
Join us for the 2025-26 Career Pathways Program Information Session to learn more about applying to and participating in this program
During this session expect to discuss:
2025-26 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and much more…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Application Office Hours - January
Join us for the 2025-26 Career Pathways Program Information Session to learn more about applying to and participating in this program
During this session expect to discuss:
2025-26 program schedule
Curriculum
Application Process
Waldman Scholarship
Program benefits, outcomes, and much more…
Leading Across Differences - January Peer Learning Circle
This peer learning circle is designed to facilitate connections, build relationships, and foster candid discussion about the rewards and challenges of working to connect and collaborate across differences. Meeting every other month, the peer learning circle provides a supportive environment…
Career Pathways 2025-26 Program Information Session
Career Pathways is a leadership development cohort program designed to accelerate the careers of diverse professionals in the philanthropic sector. Graduates of the program will deepen their expertise, expand their networks, and hone their leadership skills to advance the field.
Career…
2025 Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort Application Q&A
Are you looking for a supportive community of funders to help you build constructive dialogue and understanding across differences? You’ll get just that with the Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort.
The Bridging Differences Leadership Cohort is a facilitated virtual learning experience meeting…
Washington Snapshot: 119th Congress Preview
Our last Washington Snapshot of 2024 provides an overview of the 119th Congress being sworn in on January 3, 2025, and shares actions members can take to ensure Congress understands philanthropy’s work and our sector’s priorities.
Washington Snapshot: Trump-Vance Administration Preview
This edition of Washington Snapshot previews the incoming presidential administration. Plus, a Charitable Giving Coalition sign-on letter, H.R.9495, Department of Transportation briefing, state ballot measures, state and local fiscal recovery funds, and more.
Global Grantmaking Essentials - November 2025
Led by Council on Foundations staff with collectively decades of experience with global philanthropy, the Global Grantmaking Essentials will also feature guest speakers with deep knowledge on specific issues or countries.
Course Hours
Wednesday, November 12: 1:00-5:00 p.m. ET
Thursday,…
We Oppose H.R.9495
The Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, National Council of Nonprofits, and United Philanthropy Forum express our opposition to Section 4 of H.R.9495 and its predecessor, H.R.6408. We have no opposition to the provision in the bill postponing tax deadlines for those unlawfully or wrongfully…
Public Policy Action Network - December 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - October 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…
Public Policy Action Network - August 2025 Meeting
The Council’s Public Policy Action Network is a members-only group of foundation leaders committing their voices, experiences, and networks to engage and educate federal elected officials to foster a policy environment in which philanthropy can thrive. Policymakers depend on the voices and…