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. 

Break and Networking

Use your break time to connect with other attendees, visit our exhibitors, grab a snack, or unplug in our Brain Break room. 

Break and Networking

Use your break time to connect with other attendees, visit our exhibitors, grab a snack, or unplug in our Brain Break room. 

Break and Networking

Use your break time to connect with other attendees, visit our exhibitors, grab a snack, or unplug in our Brain Break room. 

Break and Networking

Use your break time to connect with other attendees, visit our exhibitors, grab a snack, or unplug in our Brain Break room. 

Break and Networking

Use your break time to connect with other attendees, visit our exhibitors, grab a snack, or unplug in our Brain Break room. 

Tai Ji: Morning Meditation, in Motion!

Start off your morning with this ancient practice that combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing to promote well-being and improve balance and flexibility. Shaun Floerke will guide you through a simple 10-step introduction to the practice. This is not a strenuous practice at all, and all…

Tai Ji: Morning Meditation, in Motion!

Start off your morning with this ancient practice that combines slow, gentle movements with deep breathing to promote well-being and improve balance and flexibility. Shaun Floerke will guide you through a simple 10-step introduction to the practice. This is not a strenuous practice at all, and all…

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 Reception

Immediately following our opening plenary, we’re co-hosting a reception with our local partner, the Minnesota Council on Foundations. Experience a taste of an iconic Minnesota attraction: the State Fair. Join us to enjoy the atmosphere of cotton candy and carnival games while greeting old friends…

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…

Registration Open

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 (CEO Only)

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…
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