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.
PD GENEration: Mapping the Future of Parkinson's Disease
Genetic information is a powerful tool used to help us uncover key mechanisms responsible for slowing or stopping the progression of Parkinson’s disease, ultimately improving care and speeding development of new treatments. Join Parkinson’s Foundation’s Chief Scientific Officer…
The New Balance: Philanthropy, Power, and Possibility
Experience an art-filled interactive discussion around our new research series on changing practices and structures in response to shifting notions of power in philanthropy. We will share early research results on questions like: What practices help to ensure equitable grantmaking outcomes? What…
Best Practices in Charity Due Diligence
Getting to know and trust a grantee that is thousands of miles away and operates in a foreign legal context can be daunting. Join this session to learn about: understanding what tools you have at your disposal for conducting due diligence on your grantees, identifying any red flags during that due…
Toolkit for Cross-Border Giving
Want to support causes around the world? Join this session to get practical tips on: starting an international grantmaking program, understanding how to make cross-border grants, deciding on what type of beneficiaries you want to support, and choosing between Expenditure Responsibility (ER) or…
Opportunity Zones
What are Opportunity Zones?
Created by changes to the tax code in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017, Opportunity Zones are state-nominated, economically depressed communities that are in need of new investment. These investments could, under certain circumstances, be eligable for…
Leading Together 2019 Conference - Additional Programming
Additional Programming
Leading Together 2019 is more than just plenary and concurrent sessions, networking, and track-specific programming. Learn more about our unique Deep Dives, Invitation-Only Sessions, and Board Meetings that took place alongside our programming.
Deep Dive…
Career Pathways: Making Philanthropy More Equitable
I’m an accidental employee in the philanthropic sector. I was working for a nonprofit the first time I had even heard of foundations. The main funder of my program decided to go in a different direction; our program was phased out, and my contract was not renewed. I made my way to the Gordon and…
Building Resilient, Inclusive, and Agile Economic Ecosystems
Public and private sector organizations, anchor institutions like community colleges and universities, and philanthropy all play a vital role in strengthening local economies. Together, they can serve as powerful drivers for building inclusive and equitable communities. Leadership and action are…
Leading Together 2019 Conference - Learning Labs
Learning Labs & Tech Bars
Your conference experience won’t be complete without taking in a Learning Lab or Tech Bar session. You can develop your skills while engaging with your peers and learning from the experts. The Learning Labs are presented in 45-minute learning segments and are…
Leading Together 2019 Conference - Plenary Sessions & Leadership in Action Series
Plenary Sessions & Leadership in Action Series
We all came together to discuss the crucial opportunities and issues facing philanthropy today. We covered topics including inclusivity and leadership, bridging divides, addressing climate vulnerability, creating inclusive economic prosperity,…
Celebrating the Council on Foundations' 70th Anniversary
Celebrate the Council’s 70th birthday in true Miami beach style! Attendees will be immersed in the tropical essences and pulsing energy of South Beach, as we celebrate with the very best music, fine cuisine, and entertainment South Beach has to offer.
Webinar Recording: Preventing and Ending Homelessness by Removing Legal Barriers: A Partnership Taking Best Practice to Scale
Download the Slides
While housing, employment and other supportive services are critical to prevent and end homelessness, the reality is legal barriers such as bad credit, unpaid child support, unpaid fines and tickets, outstanding warrants and criminal records present a hard stop that…
Post-Graduation Scholarships: What Are They and How Can You Use Them?
Members, View the Recording
Interested in alleviating the student loan debt crisis and attracting needed talent to your community? Then this webinar is for you! Last year, the Workforce Development Through Post-Graduation Scholarships Act was introduced in Congress. This bill would allow charitable…
Reimagining Council Membership
A New Way Forward
It is an important time for the Council on Foundations. We are reflecting on our role in the changing landscape of philanthropy and the road ahead of us. Above all, we are committed to thinking creatively and responsively about how we best serve Council members.
A first step…
Sample Fund Activity Policy
Sample Document
This sample fund activity policy provides language that you can either use in a stand-alone policy or incorporate into an existing donor-advised fund agreement or policy.