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.
Indicates Members-Only Content
Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020, (H.R. 6074)
Bill #1 – Enacted March 6, 2020
Approximate appropriation: $8.3 billion
Comprehensive Coronavirus Legislation Guide for the Charitable Sector
This is a summary of the first bill Congress passed to help with the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. This guide highlights the specific provisions of…
Comprehensive Coronavirus Legislation Guide for the Charitable Sector
Since COVID-19 began impacting the United States, Congress has passed multiple packages to address a wide variety of issues and support the health care sector, businesses, individuals, and families. Certain provisions in each bill have relevance to the charitable sector and we have summarized the…
CARES Act Benefits for Small Businesses and Tax-Exempt Organizations
Paycheck Protection Program | Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Employee Retention Credit | Delay of Payroll Tax Remittance
Please note: What follows is a general summary of information. Consult government rules and guidance for concise requirements and information. This is not meant to convey…
Legal Compliance Guidance
Making grants outside of the United States can be complicated even when there isn’t a global pandemic. COVID-19 impacts communities in different ways and while some countries have robust public health systems, others do not. Additionally, governments are responding to the outbreak in vastly…
Engaging in Collaboration and Philanthropic Partnerships for COVID-19 Response
Philanthropy is undertaking massive efforts in this country to more effectively collaborate and coordinate quickly among various funders, stakeholders and community partners in response to COVID-19—and all without the power of convening in person. In this time of crisis, what do we need…
2020 Public Policy Summit
Speakers Spotlight
Charlie Cook
Editor and Publisher
The Cook Political Report
Political Analyst
Tom Rice
U.S. Representative
Republican
South Carolina
Linda Sánchez
U.S.…
2020 HR Retreat
Culture, Climate & Connection in the New Work World
September 9-10, 2020
Event Platform
The 2020 Virtual HR Retreat: Culture, Climate & Connection in the New Work World, co-hosted by the Council on Foundations and CHANGE Philanthropy, is your unique opportunity to learn from and…
Washington Snapshot: Congress Passes and President Signs $2 Trillion COVID-19 Bill
The Coronavirus - Prevention Guidelines
World Health Organization: Situation Dashboard
How Philanthropy Can Respond:
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Council on Foundations: COVID-19 Resource Hub
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot...
News from the Council
News from the…
Policy Briefing: How the $2 Trillion COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Bill Impacts Philanthropy
What is in the $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill that passed Congress on Friday, March 27? How will the bill impact the philanthropic sector?
Thank you for joining us on this policy briefing where we heard top experts explain what you need to know in order to support your operations and…
Legal Compliance Guidance, Sample Document
In these unprecedented times, grantors may decide that converting previously awarded project-specific grants to general operating grants is the best way to support grantees and enable them to respond to the needs of their respective communities. While current grant agreements can be revised or…
Legal Office Hours for Community, Private and Family Foundations: Grants to Individuals and Businesses
Members View the Recording
Over the past weeks, COVID-19 has changed most foundation's disaster and crisis management plans by the hour. As primary local funders throughout this pandemic, many are launching local response funds, shifting to immediate operational and unrestricted grants, and…
Council Resources for Responding to COVID-19
Curated resources from the Council on Foundations that may be helpful for responding to COVID-19. indicates this content is available to Council members only.Philanthropy Exchange COVID-19 Survivors Fund – Open ExchangeFees on COVID-19 Funds – Open ExchangeCOVID Related Support for Child…
How Can We Make Money Available to Individuals in Need During the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Many private and corporate foundations and giving programs are grappling with how to quickly respond to those most in need in their community. This often means funding in new and different ways, including possibly making grants to individuals. Many corporate grantmakers are looking for ways to set…
Washington Snapshot: Congress Considers Third COVID-19 Bill
The Coronavirus - THE MORE YOU KNOW
World Health Organization: Situation Dashboard
How Philanthropy Can Respond:
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Council on Foundations: COVID-19 Resource Hub
In This Week's Edition of Snapshot...
News from the Council
News from the Hill…
U.S. Government Action on COVID-19
Letter to Secretary Ross and U.S. Census Bureau
On August 5, 2020, the Council on Foundations joined more than 500 philanthropic leaders to urge Secretary Ross and the US Census Bureau to maintain their original plan to continue counting households through the end of October and ensure…
Top Foundations Pledge Flexible Funding to Grantees in Wake of COVID-19 Crisis
New York, March 19, 2020 — More than 40 major US-based and international foundations announced today to pledge their commitment to more flexible funding to help grantee partners meet emergency needs prompted by the COVID-19 crisis. Signatories include The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation,…