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.
Indicates Members-Only Content
Seasons of Giving - Spring 2014
The Council on Foundations is excited to launch Seasons of Giving, a quarterly newsletter with valuable insights to help you advance your work and increase your impact.
This newsletter will provide background on some of the major events and trends in the field and highlight resources…
Philanthropic Leaders Pledge $170 Million to Support Veterans and Military Families
Today, over 30 philanthropic organizations and corporations announced pledges totaling more than $170 million over the next five years to support veterans and military families. The Philanthropy-Joining Forces Impact Pledge was announced today by Joining Forces and a coalition of leading…
Council Members Announce Philanthropy-Joining Forces Impact Pledge
Council on Foundations President and CEO Vikki Spruill will join First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden, and grantmakers from around the country tomorrow for the announcement of the Philanthropy-Joining Forces Impact Pledge. Made by over 30 funders, this pledge aims to bring support to service…
Washington Snapshot - April 25, 2014
Council Submits Extenders Testimony
As we noted in last week’s Washington Snapshot, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI-4) held a recent hearing on the seven business “tax extenders” that he opted to extend in his comprehensive tax reform proposal. The hearing, entitled “The…
Washington Snapshot - April 17, 2014
A little tax week humor...
With Congress out of session this week and next, there is not much action on the legislative front. But here is what's on our policy radar this week:
Latest on Tax Extenders Movement
For the past few weeks we’ve given you a play-by-play of the debates on the Hill…
Tech tools and boisterous public meetings: Building support for community planning in the San Francisco Bay Area
Silicon Valley Community Foundation is in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, close to the campuses of companies like Google, Facebook and Apple. Companies like these have made the region a leader in the global economy and a hub of innovation. The Bay Area is home to a diverse…
Engaging Latino Parents around Early Learning for their Children
The proudest moment of Ruben Garcia’s life was when he watched his first child graduate from Boulder High School last spring.
The father of three and his wife know how much it took for their son to reach the important milestone. They will tell you that their work with him started before…
HUD Secretary's Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships
The 2025 HUD Secretary's Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships application is now closed.
HUD has temporarily paused the Secretary’s Award for Public-Philanthropic Partnerships and will not be selecting 2025 winners. The award recognizes outstanding partnerships between…
Council Awards Programs
Submit Your NominationsNominations for the 2027 Council Awards are now closed. Stay tuned to hear more about our award winners!The Council Awards recognize exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact across the philanthropic sector. Originally established in the 1980s, the Council's flagship…
When the process is the product of our endeavors
The Community Foundation of Western Nevada embarked upon a resident engagement initiative in 2013 centering on improving the lives of runaway, homeless and aging-out foster youth, ages 12-24.
Expectations for the estimated 1,300 unsupported young people who experience homelessness in Reno,…
So, what’s your idea? Spurring innovation in your organization
Are you looking for ways to improve innovation at your organization? Sometimes innovative ideas aren’t shared because people don’t know who to take them to. Or, they think that others would judge the idea’s value based on the person contributing it. If you are looking to spur…
Washington Snapshot - April 11, 2014
We are thrilled that spring has finally arrived here in Washington, D.C.! The cherry blossoms are in bloom, and tourist season has begun!
Since next Friday is Good Friday, we will be sending you Snapshot on Thursday afternoon.
Ways and Means Hearing on Tax Extenders
Last week we brought you up to…
Washington Snapshot - April 4, 2014
IRA Charitable Rollover Included in Senate Extenders Bill
The Council’s Public Policy team has been closely tracking a flurry of activity on the Hill this week, as the Senate Finance Committee considered which of the 55 expired “tax extenders” to extend for another two years. The IRA charitable…
Statement on Retirement of Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp
Vikki Spruill, President and CEO, Council on Foundations:
On behalf of the Council on Foundations, I would like to thank Chairman Camp for his decades of public service to the people of Michigan and to the U.S. House of Representatives. We wish him the very best in months and years ahead. We are…
More than just a window to the web - Apps and extensions for your browser
Do you know more about apps for your phone than apps for your browser? Many are unaware that apps and other add-ons are available for their browsers, are often free, and can provide unique tools to make their online experience better. So if you are a busy philanthropic professional, what apps might…
Council on Foundations Board of Directors - Official Notice
Board of Directors Official Notice
The Council on Foundations Governance Committee has nominated the following individuals to serve on the Council’s Board of Directors:
Class of 2017
Ken M. Jones, II*
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
The Annie E. Casey Foundation
Baltimore
Ann M. Cramer…