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.
Seventeen Foundations to Invest in Renewables, Divest from Fossil Fuels
This blog was originally posted on Philanthropy Northwest's website.
Seventeen foundations, including Philanthropy Northwest member The Russell Family Foundation, have united around a mission investing agenda to deepen their investments in clean energy by divesting from fossil fuels. Through the…
Washington Snapshot - January 31, 2014
Register now for Philanthropy Week in Washington!
"Philanthropy Week in Washington” is quickly approaching. Hosted by the Council on Foundations from March 3-7 is the new initiative for a week of activities – some very familiar and others new. The week will begin and end with communications…
This Week at the Council - January 31, 2014
State of the Union Edition
This Week at the Council, all eyes were on President Obama's fifth State of the Union Address, though a few of us were distracted by our ever-charming Vice President. In his speech, the President declared a "Year of Action" for himself, Congress, and private…
10 Things Every New Foundation Board Member Should Know
Publication
The Council on Foundations, in collaboration with BoardSource, created this easy-to-use guide for new foundation board members.
Letter to Chairman Baucus, Senate Finance Committee
Senator Baucus released tax reform discussion drafts in 2013, including the tax administration draft, which proposes requiring all tax-exempt organizations to electronically file their Form 990s.
As part of the discussion draft process, stakeholders are invited to submit comments. The Council…
Washington Snapshot - January 10, 2014
Welcome back from the holidays and cheers to the start of a new year!
Philanthropy Week in Washington
If you’re looking to participate in an important event and amplify the voice of philanthropy, then you won’t want to miss “Philanthropy Week in Washington 2014”! Make your plans to come to…
Join us for Philanthropy Week 2014
The Council on Foundations is pleased to announce…
Websites are live, registration is now open, and the hotel block is available for Philanthropy Week in Washington 2014!
Now, more than ever, we must protect and enhance philanthropy in America. Philanthropy has been a pillar of our society from…
Philanthropy Week in Washington 2014
Philanthropy Week Details
March 3-7, 2014
An initiative of the Council on Foundations
Philanthropy Week in Washington is a week of activities – some familiar and others new – themed around engaging policy makers in our Nation's Capitol. This series of in person and media events…
Washington Snapshot - December 20, 2013
Happy holidays! The Council’s Public Policy team wishes you and your loved ones a joyous and festive winter break!
Council letter featured in The New York Times
As we reported last week, Council president & CEO Vikki Spruill authored a letter to the New York Times editors responding to Ray…
Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking Recipients
The Scrivner Award for Creative Grantmaking was established in 1985 to recognize a grantmaker who has demonstrated outstanding creativity. It honored grantmakers who, with a combination of vision, principle and personal commitment, made a critical difference in a creative way. The award was created…
Typhoon Haiyan Webinar with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Typhoon Haiyan was one of the worst disasters to hit the Philippines in decades. This webinar was conducted one month after the Super Typhoon made landfall, killing more than 5,000 and causing billions in damages. Representatives from the Philippines Embassy in Washington, DC, Accenture, and the…
Bringing Personal Accountability on Board
Increasing personal accountability is probably the most effective way to enhance the performance of board members. Here are a few suggestions.
by James E. Klusman
"Life's a lot more fun when you're not responsible for your actions." So says Calvin, in the cartoon "Calvin and Hobbes," as he…
A Compliance Checklist for Private Foundations
Legal Compliance Guidance
The persistent scrutiny of nonprofit governance has prompted leaders at many types of organizations to take steps to assure that their own houses are in good legal and financial order. This checklist is a good place for you as a private foundation to start.
Tips for Effective Grantee Relations
External Resource
This checklist for developing effective grantee relations was prepared by Jane Kendall, president of the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits and a trustee of the Kathleen Price Bryan Family Fund.
Washington Snapshot - December 13, 2013
Happy holiday season! We even had a snow day here in D.C. this week that helped to boost our festive spirits.
Council President Responds to Critical New York Times Op-Ed
Ray Madoff’s New York Times op-ed characterizes the charitable deduction as “wasteful,” and brings up an idea—one that we’ve…
Washington Snapshot - December 6, 2013
Welcome to December! We hope that all of our readers had an enjoyable Thanksgiving with family and friends, and a Happy Hanukkah!
Thune-Wyden Letter on the Charitable Deduction
As this YouTube wrap-up of the day reveals, the Charitable Giving Coalition's D.C. fly-in generated buzz about the…