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.
Growing a Community of Philanthropy
The word ”philanthropy” means the love of humanity. It manifests itself as generosity by individuals and organizations for the public good. We’ve seen extraordinary transformations in the Paso de Norte region brought about by the generous spirit of philanthropists – large and small – whose love for…
Washington Snapshot: Senate Finance Committee to Question Nominee for IRS Commissioner, House Democrats See Major Upset in Key Primary Race
Please note, we will not be sending Washington Snapshot next week due to the 4th of July holiday. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and fun day off!
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Justice Kennedy Announces Retirement
Rettig Hearing
House Leaders Willing to Discuss UBIT Issues for Tax Reform 2…
Our Nation's Giving Trends: What Does the Giving USA Report Mean for Foundations?
Members, View the Recording
Charitable giving surged to $410 billion in 2017, the highest ever, according to Giving USA 2018: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for the Year 2017. Foundation grants for the year grew to $67 billion. But can the growth sustain itself and how will future giving be…
Philanthropy's Role in Strengthening Democracy
View the Recording
Join foundations and philanthropy serving organizations from across the country for a webinar on July 11th at 2pm EST. “Philanthropy's Role in Strengthening Democracy” is co-sponsored by Council on Foundations, Independent Sector, and Nonprofit VOTE.
The webinar…
Washington Snapshot: New Study Estimates Charitable Giving Faces $17 Billion Decline in 2018, House Considering New Round of Tax Cuts
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
New Study Estimates $17 Billion Drop in Charitable Giving for 2018
Tax Cuts 2.0?
New UBIT Rules for Nonprofits Might be Delayed
Wyden Calls for Investigation in Misuse of Charitable Organizations
2020 Census Public Comment Opportunity
Marc Short Leaving…
Leading Together 2019 Conference - Networking Events
Networking Events
#Leadingtogether2019 is the place to connect with leaders in philanthropy, government, and other sectors — and to create future opportunities for collaboration. While every minute at at the conference is an opportunity to network, these events are tailored for you to…
Leading Together 2019 Conference - Preconference Programming
Preconference Programming
We affered three (3) preconference and three (3) site sessions for attendees interested in diving deep into hot topics impacting philanthropy now and seeing and supporting local philanthropy in action in the field. Sessions took place on Monday, April 29, 2019, from…
Where Are the Children? Family Separation Becomes U.S. Immigration Enforcement Policy
View the Recording
Since October 2017, the U.S. government has forcibly separated at least 2,400 children—including hundreds who are under four years old—from their parents as they arrive on our southern border seeking refuge. Attorneys and other humanitarian aid workers are reporting significant…
The Foreign Agent Registration Act and U.S. Nonprofits Working Internationally
In June 2018, we saw concerning new developments related to the use of the Foreign Agent Registration Act (FARA) in targeting U.S. non-profits that also work internationally. The House Committee on Natural Resources sent a letter to the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) as part of an…
Meet the 2018 Interns
I have been eager to intern at the Council on Foundations since I received my acceptance letter. While coming into this experience, I did not know what exactly the Council was, I am excited to learn more about the sector and help achieve the organization’s goals. I am 1 of 7 interns here at CoF for…
Programming
Thursday, September 6
Opening Plenary - 9:15 am - 10:30 am
Harnessing the Momentum, Finding Opportunities, Building Stronger Futures
We all wish we could predict the future. For many foundation leaders, this superpower would help them plan for and navigate global financial issues that force…
Washington Snapshot: Senate Committee Considers Tax Court Nominees, Highlights of Midterm Primary Results
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Senate Finance Committee Hearing Set to Consider Tax Court Nominees
Sen. Johnson Calls on IRS to Eliminate Schedule B
Start Now Helping Your Community Prepare for the 2018 Hurricane Season
Primaries in CA, IA, and MT Highlight Busy Primary Day Across the…
Washington Snapshot: Charitable Giving Discussed in Senate Hearing, Attacks Against Nonprofit Nonpartisanship Continue
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Bill Targeting University Endowments and Contributions Introduced
Charitable Giving Discussed at Senate Hearing
Attacks Against Johnson Amendment Continue
Ways and Means Announces Subcommittee Updates
IRS Provides Guidance for Grantmakers and Donors…
Council on Foundations Announces Hiring of New Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Council on Foundations has named Ruth LaToison Ifill as its new Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She will lead efforts to develop and implement strategic initiatives, tools, educational programs and opportunities that foster a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion among…
Inclusive Economic Prosperity in the Midwest Resources
Council on Foundations Resources
Economic Development as a Charitable Activity - A chapter from Mastering Foundation Law: The Council on Foundations Compendium of Legal Resources
Slide Presentations and Resources from Community & Economic Development for Community Foundations…
Washington Snapshot: Bill to Expand Charitable Deduction Introduced in the House, Ways and Means Adds a New Member
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot…
Bill to Increase Charitable Giving Introduced in House
IRS Funding to be Considered by Senate Committee
Ways and Means Holds Hearing on Tax Reform's Impact (So Far)
Council Urges Treasury to Delay New UBIT Provisions
In the States: States Respond to Federal…