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.
Philanthropic Journalism Funding in France
This report from the Journalism Funders Forum analyzes and summarizes grantmaking to French journalism and media outlets.
Chinese and Chinese-American Philanthropy
This report, authored by the Global Chinese Philanthropy Initiative, examines the giving patterns of Chinese and Chinese American philanthropists to examine what motivates them and what barriers exist to strengthening giving.
Grantmakers and Governments: The Possibilities of Partnership
While both governments and philanthropic organizations in Canada are committed to community investment, the two sectors do not often partner on projects. This paper is intended to help philanthropic funders understand more about the context for working with government in Canada, as well as the…
Washington Snapshot: Brady Releases Year-End Tax Package, Congress Faces Dec. 7 Deadline to Fund Government
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Senators Ask Treasury for UBIT Delay
Chairman Brady Releases Lame Duck Tax Package
Congress Faces Dec. 7 Deadline to Pass Spending Legislation
Sen. Grassley Chooses Finance Gavel
Cindy Hyde-Smith Wins Election in Mississippi
State Spending Trends Analyzed…
Global Philanthropy Report
This report prepared by the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government examines the vitality and impact of global institutional philanthropy.
Philanthropy in Brazil
A working paper from Alliance magazine, WINGS, and Philanthropy Network for Social Justice analyzing terms and trends of philanthropy and social investment in Brazil. This report examines the political atmosphere for philanthropy, as well as current challenges for the sector.
Getting Started with Grantmaking in Brazil
Getting Started is a members-only resource within Country Notes. To help connect you with others working in Brazil, we have identified:
Local nonprofit and philanthropic networks
Key local legal contacts
U.S. foundations with local offices
Local community foundations
You may also…
Global Philanthropy Update - November 2018
Although votes in some races are still being counted, we know the results of the US midterm election will lead to changes in Washington in the new year that may impact global grantmakers. From changing Congressional committee leaders to upcoming reviews of US foreign assistance and the 2020 budget…
Immediate and Emerging Needs Arising from the California Fires
Philanthropy California is offering funders an up-to-the-minute briefing on the fires, local and state agency responses, and how to aid local efforts and avoid fraud.
As impacted communities in Northern and Southern California continue to grapple with the devastation resulting from the Camp,…
A Primer for Funders on CDFI’s: Co-Investing in Opportunity Zones and Inclusive Community Development
Members, View the Recording
With the passage of last year’s tax code overhaul, Congress created Opportunity Zones—areas in low-income census tracks designated by governors, where private equity investors can invest capital gains in new development ventures in exchange for tax forgiveness after 10…
Washington Snapshot: Republicans Vote on Leadership for the 116th Congress, Council Submits UBIT Siloing Comments to Treasury
Please be advised: Washington Snapshot will be taking a break next week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. We wish all of our readers a safe and happy Thanksgiving and will return with Snapshot on Nov. 29!
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot...
House Leadership Elections Taking Place Over Next Few…
Washington Snapshot: 2018 Midterm Elections Edition
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Democrats Take the House, Republicans Make Gains in the Senate
Tax-Writing Committees Will Look Different in 116th Congress
2018 Midterms Bring A Lot of Firsts
More Election News
Attorney General Sessions Resigns
2018 Ballot Measures Wrap-Up
Don’t Miss…
Washington Snapshot: Impact of Tax Reform on Charities Still Unclear, Additional Tax Cuts Not Likely This Year
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Impact of Tax Reform on Charities Still Unclear
Additional Tax Cuts Not Likely This Year
Issues on the Minds of Candidates and Voters
Voter Education Made Easy
Election Resources
News from the Hill
Impact of Tax Reform on Charities Still Unclear
POLITICO…
Washington Snapshot: Treasury Releases Opportunity Zones Proposed Regulations, President Trump Announces New Plan for Tax Cuts
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Talk of New Tax Cuts Comes as a Surprise to Many
Opportunity Zones Regulations Released by Treasury
President Appoints New White House Counsel After McGahn Resigns
State Ballots: More than Electing Leaders and Legislators
News from the Hill
Talk of New Tax…
New York-Based Arts Program Studio in a School to Receive Chapman Prize
The Council on Foundations today announced that Studio in a School Association, a New York City-based program that serves young people by integrating visual arts into teaching and learning, will be awarded the Chapman Prize at its upcoming Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 28.
As the…
Don't Be Caught Off-Guard This Tax Season: A Guide for Navigating the New UBIT Rules
Members, View the Recording
Does your organization provide parking/transportation benefits to employees or do you already file the Form 990-T? If you answered yes to either of those questions, your organization will owe taxes for 2018 and the filing process is going to be different than it was last…