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. 

CEO and Trustee Reception

Join the Council's CEO and Board for this invite-only event. Location and details will be provided in the invitation.

Welcome Social

Hosted in partnership by the Council on Foundations and Minnesota Council on Foundations

Career Pathways Alumni Homecoming

Hosted by Career Pathways Over the past 10 years, the Career Pathways (CP) alumni network has grown to over 200. We are excited to announce our first in-person homecoming, gathering participants from across all cohorts! This pre-conference is an opportunity to explore future philanthropic…

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Registration Open

Registration Open

Registration Open

Investing in Creative People to Build Healthier Local Economies and Communities

Supporting the economic security and growth of creative professionals can build their individual resilience. This can have a positive impact on family and community, and contribute to core local economic development goals. Learn from Springboard for the Arts’ experience in expanding economic…

Joining in Solidarity to Defend the Philanthropic Sector

In this moment of complexity, as foundations and their missions are under attack, CEOs are facing new and emerging challenges. Join this roundtable to connect with fellow leaders about how we can work together to build a stronger sector, and how we can show up purposefully for our partners in this…

Lessons From a Community Funder’s Journey to Advance Equitable Policy Change

Join us for an engaging workshop that takes you on a journey through a community foundation’s efforts to build community power and foster widespread public support for equitable policies and practices. In this interactive session, we’ll explore how Fairfield County's Community Foundation leverages…

How Place-Based Funders Can Shape State-Level Public Policy Through Consensus

This session will highlight place-based philanthropy’s role in shaping state-level public policy by convening diverse stakeholders for collaborative problem-solving. Panelists will discuss an innovative partnership between Lift a Life Novak Family Foundation, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, and…

How Intergenerational Programs Can Advance Your Mission

While most foundations focus on defined issues or demographics, others find success maximizing impact with intergenerational solutions. Intended for all foundation professionals, this session shows how The Eisner Foundation, RRF Foundation for Aging, and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund have…

Inclusive Strategies for Community-Driven Philanthropy

In 2012 a network of community philanthropies in Washington State came together, committed to making philanthropy more equitable through community-led and driven solutions. Three cohort members will share how learning together fueled innovation in their approaches to fostering belonging across…

Insights from a Place-Based Minority Business Learning Cohort

This session highlights the power of partnerships through learning cohorts. Wells Fargo’s Open for Business Fund donated $100 million to support small business owners who were disproportionately affected by the pandemic in Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami. A national learning…

Increasing Trust Amid Decreasing Attention

Nonprofit leaders and funders alike say storytelling is simultaneously one of their greatest needs and greatest challenges. Attention is increasingly fragmented and audiences are fatigued by marketing campaigns and clever pitches. In this session, you will learn how increasing the dimensionality of…

Leveraging Narrative Power to Inspire Stronger Communities

Participants in this session will gain insight into their role in supporting place-based, community-driven stories. This session is relevant for communications and program staff, executive leaders, and board members. Because narrative work spans all sectors, both place-based and issue-based funders…
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