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.
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…
Considerations for Working With 501(c)(3) NIL Collectives
Legal Compliance Guidance
More than 120 “NIL collectives” have been established in the U.S., many of them as tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, to raise funds and enter into agreements that compensate student-athletes at specific higher-education institutions in exchange for using the student-athlete's name,…
Philanthropy's Response to 2024 US Storms
Overview
Throughout the United States, severe weather events are expected throughout the year. However, unusually warm temperatures have caused increased storm systems, often resulting in catastrophic severe weather events. As various local, state, and regional community foundations and…
New Bills Raise Concerns for Philanthropy
blockquote {
font-weight: 400;
color: #4A5056;
}
On May 15, the House Ways and Means Committee held a mark up to consider five bills that would create new transparency and disclosure requirements for tax-exempt organizations, as well as increase penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of…
Leading Locally 2025
Event Highlights:
Inspiring Plenary Speakers: Hear from leaders shaping the future of local philanthropy and community development on topics like equity, sustainability, and community resilience.
Peer-to-Peer Sessions: Connect with attendees who will share their inspirations,…
Philanthropy's Response to the Haiti Humanitarian Crisis
Overview
Violence by groups armed with mostly American firearms has intensified in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, resulting in the internal displacement of 362,00 people, with nearly 50,000 people displaced since the beginning of the year. Due to the level of violence and…
Philanthropy's Response to the Taiwan Earthquake
Overview
A 7.4 magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan causing massive landslides and destroying buildings and roads, causing at least 10 deaths. Despite being the most powerful earthquake in over 25 years, Taiwan's preventative measures and earthquake preparedness helped avoid mass casualties and…
Philanthropy's New Voice: Building Trust With Deeper Stories and Clear Language
Publication
United States foundations are an essential element of America’s social sector, supporting causes from public libraries to groundbreaking research, to new approaches to building a more equitable world. But despite their reach, foundations have an identity problem. From small towns to Washington, D.C…
To Help Bridge Differences, Philanthropy Should Invest in Strong Institutions
This blog is part of the Council's Dialogue Across Difference series. In this space, we will share your viewpoints: In a time of polarization and mistrust, how can philanthropy bridge across difference?
Institutions are the vehicles through which we negotiate our differences. These days,…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - October Peer Learning Circle
The Council on Foundations proudly unveils an exciting new member benefit tailored for foundations of all types, DEI Peer Learning Circles. This engagement opportunity is designed to connect foundation staff of all levels across the country who are working to explore, design, implement, or…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - September Peer Learning Circle
The Council on Foundations proudly unveils an exciting new member benefit tailored for foundations of all types, DEI Peer Learning Circles. This engagement opportunity is designed to connect foundation staff of all levels across the country who are working to explore, design, implement, or…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - August Peer Learning Circle
The Council on Foundations proudly unveils an exciting new member benefit tailored for foundations of all types, DEI Peer Learning Circles. This engagement opportunity is designed to connect foundation staff of all levels across the country who are working to explore, design, implement, or…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - July Peer Learning Circle
The Council on Foundations proudly unveils an exciting new member benefit tailored for foundations of all types, DEI Peer Learning Circles. This engagement opportunity is designed to connect foundation staff of all levels across the country who are working to explore, design, implement, or…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - June Peer Learning Circle
The Council on Foundations proudly unveils an exciting new member benefit tailored for foundations of all types, DEI Peer Learning Circles. This engagement opportunity is designed to connect foundation staff of all levels across the country who are working to explore, design, implement, or…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - May Peer Learning Circle
The Council on Foundations proudly unveils an exciting new member benefit tailored for foundations of all types, DEI Peer Learning Circles. This engagement opportunity is designed to connect foundation staff of all levels across the country who are working to explore, design, implement, or…
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion - April Peer Learning Circle
The Council on Foundations proudly unveils an exciting new member benefit tailored for foundations of all types, DEI Peer Learning Circles. This engagement opportunity is designed to connect foundation staff of all levels across the country who are working to explore, design, implement, or…